In 2023, the relationships and marriages of numerous celebrities experienced a significant decline, transitioning from harmony to hostility. The conclusion of the year witnessed the dissolution of several celebrity unions, marked by various factors.
Causative factors for these breakups included domestic violence, infidelity, emotional detachment, feminist ideals, and a lack of clearly defined gender roles, among others.
Notable celebrity breakups in 2023 include:
- 1. Yoruba actress Wunmi Toriola, who, in January 2023, publicly announced the end of her marriage through an Instagram post. Toriola cited her ex-husband’s inability to cope with her fame and his tendency to use it against her during arguments. She also refuted claims of violence in the marriage.
- 2. Yoruba actor and producer Yomi Alore, popularly known as Yomi Gold, also disclosed the termination of his second marriage with his wife, Meenah, in January. Alore took responsibility for the separation and praised his wife while attributing the split to a loss of love and affection, stating that when love fades, it should not be forced.
- 3. Yoruba actor Bolanle Ninalowo announced the end of his 17-year marriage to his wife, Bunmi, in September. Ninalowo cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation, expressing the sadness of experiencing a reality he had worked hard to avoid.
- 4. Veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus confirmed her breakup with husband Daniel Ademinokan in October. Damasus revealed that she learned about the breakup via a YouTube video, expressing shock as their public displays of affection had portrayed marital bliss.
- 5. Davido’s logistics manager, Isreal Afeare, popularly known as DMW, announced the dissolution of his marriage to Sheila Courage in November via an Instagram post. Isreal DMW accused his wife of ingratitude despite his generosity during the marriage, claiming that Sheila left the marriage in August.
- 5. Popular Yoruba actor Damola Olatunji, previously in a relationship with his colleague Bukola Awoyemi, known as Arugba, witnessed their separation as announced by Awoyemi on her Instagram page. Allegations of infidelity were made by Awoyemi, which Olatunji vehemently denied. Additionally, she clarified that they were never married but shared children.