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Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, says there are moments she questions her decision to marry her husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde, noting that marriage is not always about romance.
The actress stated this during an interview on the Chude Jideonwo Podcast, where she spoke on the realities of her decades-long marriage.
Excerpts of the interview have since gone viral on X, drawing reactions from fans and followers.
Omotola said she and her husband understand that they are individuals on separate life journeys who have made a conscious decision to stay together out of commitment and shared values.
According to her, there are days she wakes up wondering why she chose her husband as a life partner.
She said, “There are times when I wake up and I’m like, somebody needs to remind me why I chose this guy again. Because right now I can’t remember. I’m at loss of memory right now.”
The mother of four added that she sometimes admires other men and reflects on what could have been.
“And there are times when I see guys too, that are looking fabulous, and I’m like, whoa, little child. I picked this one over you,” she said.
Omotola, however, said her commitment to her marriage goes beyond fleeting feelings, explaining that it is sustained by faith and a sense of purpose.
“I’m not with him because I love him all the time. I’m with him because I choose love, because God has given me a mandate to be by his side, and vice versa,” she stated.
She said she turns to God for direction whenever she feels disconnected from her husband.
“So the times when I see him and I’m not too much in love with him, I report him to God. And I’m like, hey, what’s up now? Should I sustain this? Are you going to make it come around? Because right now he’s not looking good.”
The screen diva noted that mutual respect and space have been key to the longevity of their union.
“I’m with you because I choose to be with you. He’s with me because he chooses to be with me. So we respect each other’s choices, each other’s space, and each other’s wholesomeness,” she said.
She cautioned couples against expecting perfection in marriage, stressing the need for honesty and open communication.
“Don’t think that when you’re married to someone, it’s always going to be lovey-dovey. That’s not why I got married to him.
“You are just who you are. You’re a human being. That’s who you are. But when you choose someone as a partner in life, be open with them. Discuss things with them. And if God helps you and you have a good value system, life will be easier,” she added.
Omotola and Captain Ekeinde have been married since 1996 and are considered one of Nollywood’s longest-standing couples.
