[Couple Spotlight] ‘Children should not replace romance,’ the Osayandes reveal secrets to their healthy marriage

My guests today are a lovely couple based in Edo but originally met in Lagos. Both never envisaged a marital journey in view when they set out for their friend’s birthday dinner in Lekki some five years ago.

However, since initiating the first phone call after exchanging pleasantries at the dinner, Mr Osayande has never regretted that move that has now sealed his marital fate with Mrs Osayande.

Both were all smiles sharing this special marital journey including nuggets that has not only held their union together but made it a paradise on earth.

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Mr Osayande: We met at a friend’s birthday dinner in Lekki. I noticed her first. I then got her number through our mutual friend and called the next day.

Mrs Osayande: He didn’t text, he called. We became friends first before anything serious happened. That friendship foundation helped us a lot.

 

2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?

Mrs Osayande:  I knew when he travelled for work and still prayed with me over the phone before an important interview. It was the thoughtfulness.

Mr Osayande: I knew when she cared for my mum during an illness like it was her own mother. That sealed it for me.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Osayande: We have been together for 5 years and married for 3.

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years especially after the arrival of kids?

Mrs Osayande: We decided early that we must remain husband and wife before father and mother. Children should not replace romance.

Mr Osayande: We do date nights at home, exchange small gifts, keep our inside jokes alive, and remain intentional about intimacy.

 

5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you?

Mr Osayande:  I still schedule surprise delivery packages for her;  snacks, flowers, or just a “thinking of you” note. I like her to feel seen.

Mrs Osayande: He still insists we take our Sunday evening walks, even if it’s just around the estate. It keeps us connected like when we first dated.

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

Mrs Osayande: Before, we raised our voices. Now, we pause first. Ego destroys faster than the issue itself.

Mr Osayande: We don’t argue to win anymore. We talk after emotions calm down, not in the heat of anger.

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

Mr Osayande:  She still prays for me quietly when she thinks I’m asleep. It melts me every time.

Mrs Osayande: The way he holds my hand in public; church, supermarket, anywhere proudly, like I’m still his new love. It still gives me butterflies.

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

Mrs Osayande:  We faced a financial setback when his business slowed down badly.

Mr Osayande: She stood by me without complaint. We reduced our spending, prayed, re-strategized and climbed back together.

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

Mr Osayande: Don’t marry someone you want to change. Marry someone you can grow with.

Mrs Osayande:  Remove audience from your marriage — social media and outsiders ruin many homes. Protect your union and communicate.

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Both: “Grace and intentionality.”