[Couple Spotlight] “Lived together in same compound for years as neighbours,” How moments of power outage ignited beginning of forever for The Akinwales

The Akinwales are not new to each other. They’ve lived as neighbours in same compound for years with casual greetings every now and then. 

Nothing nurtured, nothing expected. Just neighbours living lives in different terms. This went on for years. As eligible singles, both of them might have even considered inviting their love interests home. Nothing spoil, no one gets hurts for inviting someone home when they don’t have prior commitments elsewhere.

However, the ‘Hello and Hi’ attitude graduated into something deeper when the power distribution company decided to show their usual selves at the least expected time on one hot evening. Neighbours came out in their numbers for a glimpse of fresh air.

That fateful night marked a turnaround for the Akinwales. For the first time, there was a real conversation after the usual cold exchange of greetings.

Counting those ‘wasted’ years of neighbourhood, these love birds have known each other for 16 years. Married 11 years. Sometimes, love grows too on overlooked lands. We only need to take things slow and allow it to find us out!

Meet these former neighbours now turned best of friends on a forever together journey…

 

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

Mr Akinwale: Our story is quite unusual because nothing really “started” at first. We lived in the same compound in Akure for years. I knew her face, greeted her occasionally, but we never had a real conversation. Life was just moving… work, family, routine.

Mrs Akinwale: We were neighbours for a long time but never connected beyond greetings. Then one evening, there was a long power outage, and everyone came outside to get fresh air. We ended up sitting not too far from each other, and somehow a simple greeting turned into a real conversation for the first time.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: After that night, we started talking more often. What stood out was her simplicity and sincerity.

Mrs Akinwale: For me, it was his consistency. After years of just being neighbours, once we started talking, he didn’t play games. He was steady and intentional.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Akinwale: If we include the years as neighbours, it’s about 16 years.

Mrs Akinwale: We’ve been married for 11 years.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: We built our relationship on friendship, and that has helped us remain close even with responsibilities.

Mrs Akinwale: We also make time for each other.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: I still remind her how I used to see her every day without knowing she would become my wife. It always brings a smile.

Mrs Akinwale: I always tell him he wasted so many years just greeting me. One habit we’ve kept is stepping outside in the evening to talk, just like that first night.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: In the early years, we sometimes avoided difficult conversations. Now we face them calmly.

Mrs Akinwale: We’ve learned to listen more and react less. That has helped us grow.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: Her calmness. She brings peace into the home.

Mrs Akinwale: The way he checks on me quietly, even when he doesn’t say much.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: Adjusting from living separate lives to building one together was not easy.

Mrs Akinwale: But we learned patience and understanding along the way.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: Don’t rush love. Let it grow naturally.

Mrs Akinwale: Value friendship…. it sustains marriage.

 

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

Mr Akinwale: Unexpected blessing.

Mrs Akinwale: A love that grew quietly but deeply.