Veteran actress Toyin Adewale has opened up about the secret behind her 33-year marriage, saying she entered the union determined to stay unless there was domestic violence.
Speaking on actress Biola Bayo’s podcast, Toyin said marriage is not a do or die affair, but she would never remain in a relationship where she was physically abused.
She said, “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”.
The actress, who is married to Sunday Adewale, also reflected on her journey into acting. According to her, she began acting professionally in 1988 and still remembers receiving N5,000 for her first major job.
She said, “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”.
Toyin also shared details about her family background, revealing that her father had four wives, with each wife having one child.
“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”, she said.
The actress is the mother of singer Mayorkun, whose full name is Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel. She studied Dramatic Arts at Rimax Institute in Lagos and has featured in several Yoruba films over the years.
