Popular Nollywood actress, Biola Bayo, has offered clarity on why she publicly announced her separation from husband, Oluseyi, on his birthday—a decision that stirred intense backlash and divided public opinion online.
Speaking emotionally during a recent event in Lagos where veteran actress Jumoke George was gifted a new home, Bayo addressed the wave of criticism that trailed her unexpected revelation. The actress, who has built a reputation for authenticity and vulnerability in her public life, said she felt compelled to own her narrative rather than allow rumors or third-party narratives distort her truth.
“I’m a human being too,” she said, almost tearfully. “People were already questioning why I wasn’t posting about my husband. I didn’t want people coming out with their own stories or assumptions. That’s why I said it first. I spoke my truth before someone else told a twisted version.”
Biola, who married Oluseyi in 2021, made headlines a week ago when she used her husband’s birthday post to reveal that their marriage had ended. Many social media users condemned the timing, calling it insensitive and accusing the actress of deliberately trying to put her estranged husband in a bad light.
However, the actress strongly refuted such claims. According to her, the decision was made with full knowledge and consent of her husband. “I told him before I made the post. It was not to embarrass him; it was to protect our story and avoid misinformation. Still, people twisted it and used it against me,” she lamented.
Biola Bayo, who welcomed a son through surrogacy in 2023, has often shared her life journey openly with fans, including struggles with conception and faith-based encouragement for couples facing similar challenges. The announcement of her split sent shockwaves through Nollywood and among her followers, who saw her marriage as one of the more grounded relationships in the industry.
Despite the split, Bayo chose to celebrate Oluseyi on his birthday, referring to him with kind words and expressing gratitude for the time they spent together. That balance of honesty and grace, however, did not spare her from intense online judgment.
“I was trying to protect my peace and dignity,” she said. “Some people will still misunderstand you no matter your intentions, but I know God will reward everyone accordingly.”
Since her explanation, public opinion appears to be gradually shifting in her favor. Fans and fellow celebrities have flooded her page with messages of support, applauding her courage to speak up and control her own narrative in an environment where silence often fuels gossip.
Actress Laide Bakare, who was previously rumoured to have mocked Bayo’s marital situation, debunked the claims and expressed solidarity with her colleague. “This industry is hard enough already. We should uplift one another, not tear each other down,” she posted.
In an industry where many opt for secrecy around personal matters, Biola Bayo’s transparent approach is setting a new precedent. Her decision to confront the issue head-on not only demystifies the stigma around marital breakdowns but also empowers other women to take charge of their stories without shame.
As fans continue to process the news, one thing is clear—Biola Bayo remains a beacon of authenticity, courage, and grace under pressure.