Temi Otedola, actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has set social media buzzing after adopting her husband’s surname, “Ajibade,” across her display names on Instagram and X. The move followed her marriage to Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr. Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade.
The couple, celebrated for their glamorous cross-continental romance, tied the knot in a series of lavish ceremonies in 2025. Their wedding trail began in Monaco on May 9, a date chosen to honour Mr. Eazi’s late mother’s birthday. In July, they hosted a Yoruba traditional ceremony at the Otedola family’s Dubai residence, showcasing their heritage with regal elegance. The celebrations culminated on August 9 with an intimate church wedding in Iceland, blending global sophistication with family intimacy.
Shortly after, Temi updated her display name on social platforms, though she did not alter her handles or confirm whether her legal documents now reflect “Ajibade.” Her symbolic act, however, was enough to reopen a long-running debate in Nigeria about whether married women should drop their maiden names for their husband’s.
The discussion had been reignited earlier in August when feminist commentator Rachelle (@omo_kosoko) shared her personal experience, stressing that women could keep their names after marriage without complications. “Four years married now, I have relocated, had a baby, held a joint account, travelled solo with my child and not one issue. Don’t let anyone lie to you,” she wrote. Her comments sparked questions: Would women still prefer to keep their maiden names if they married into powerful families like the Dangotes, Adenugas, Otedolas or Adelekes?
Reactions to Temi’s name change mirrored these divisions. Some users mocked feminists, claiming they were “in tears,” while others saw the choice as Temi’s right. A user noted she had not updated her handle, suggesting the change was more symbolic than total. Others argued surname changes were a colonial import, pointing out that many African traditions allowed women to retain their family names after marriage.
The discourse cut across platforms. On Instagram, humour and class commentary dominated. Some critics teased that only “poor man’s daughters” insist on holding onto their maiden names, while others suggested envy fuelled much of the backlash. Still, voices of moderation emerged, reminding the public that the choice of whether to change a surname remains deeply personal. “A name doesn’t hold a marriage together; character, loyalty, and shared vision do,” one user wrote.
A wedding video further stoked discussion. In it, Femi Otedola, visibly emotional, offered fatherly advice to his daughter: “You have to succumb to your husband; he’s your boss. Temi, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. You found a great guy from a very decent family.” His words, read by some as affectionate guidance and by others as a reinforcement of patriarchal norms, highlighted generational differences in marital expectations.
For many, Temi’s decision goes beyond celebrity glamour. It reflects the reality Nigerian women face at the crossroads of tradition, personal identity, and societal scrutiny. Should a woman take her husband’s surname as a sign of unity? Or is retaining her maiden name a statement of independence?
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