Veteran actress Toyin Adewale has said that marriage is not a do-or-die affair for her, stressing that domestic violence is a deal-breaker.
Speaking on Biola Bayo’s podcast, Adewale explained that minor disagreements are a normal part of marriage and not enough reason to end a relationship.
She added that leaving a marriage comes with uncertainty, as there is no guarantee that the next situation will be better or worse.
Adewale disclosed that she married in January 1993 determined to stay, provided there was no violence.
She welcomed her son, Afrobeats singer Mayorkun, in March 1993, two months after her wedding.
She described herself as the gentle type in her home.
“Marriage isn’t a do-or-die thing for me. I wouldn’t stay if he beats me. If there’s no violence and it’s just a minor misunderstanding, it’s normal. Why do I leave? Do I know what will happen where I am going? I got married with the determination of never leaving my marriage, provided there’s no violence.
“I got married in January 1993 and had Mayowa in March 1993. I have been married for 33 years. I am the gentle one”.
Reflecting on her career, Adewale said she began acting professionally in 1988 and her first paid job earned her N5000 and involved performing before the president, an opportunity that brought her into the limelight.
She said she found herself in acting and continues to enjoy it.
“I just found myself in acting, and I enjoy doing it. I started acting in 1988. They paid me 5000 naira, I can’t forget. They gave us clothes, and we performed before the president. It was my first job that brought me to the limelight,” she added.
The actress also discussed her family background, revealing that her father had four wives, and each wife had one child.
As the lastborn, she described her father as a strict disciplinarian who planned for his passing.
According to her, her father purchased his burial cloth, arranged his grave, and paid all church dues in advance so his children would not be burdened after his death.
“My father had four wives, and each wife had one child. I am the lastborn. He was a disciplinarian, so he fixed a lot for us. He bought his grave cloth, did his grave and all. He paid all the necessary dues to the churches and all and told them to sign so they wouldn’t stress us when he died”.