KEY POINTS
- Temi Otedola surname change reignites a national debate.
- Social media splits over feminism, culture, and choice.
- Her marriage to Mr. Eazi spotlights tradition and identity.
Temi Otedola, actress and daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has set social media buzzing after changing her surname to “Ajibade” on Instagram, following her marriage to Nigerian singer Mr. Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade.
The couple tied the knot in 2025 with a series of high-profile ceremonies across Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland. From a traditional Yoruba wedding at her family’s Dubai residence to an intimate church service in Iceland, their union reflected Nigerian heritage with global style.
Temi’s public adoption of her husband’s name has now reignited an old debate in Nigeria about marriage, feminism, and identity.
A debate reignited online
The conversation echoes one that gained traction last August when feminist commentator Rachelle (@omo_kosoko) argued on X that women can keep their maiden names after marriage without consequence. Her statement, which detailed her own four-year marriage, drew mixed reactions. Some users challenged her position with questions about whether women would make the same choice if married into powerful families such as Dangote, Adenuga, or Otedola.
Others struck a middle ground, noting that character and shared vision, rather than names, determine the strength of a marriage. The discussion has resurfaced with Temi’s decision, now amplified by her public profile and her family’s prominence.
At the wedding, Femi Otedola added to the discourse with his advice to his daughter. He described her husband as a “very great guy” from a “decent family,” while urging Temi to “succumb” to him, calling him her “boss.” His words drew both criticism and praise, depending on how they were interpreted.
Reactions across social platforms
According to Punch, on X, opinions ranged from outright dismissal of the uproar to strong endorsements of Temi’s choice. Some users accused feminists of exaggerating the issue, while others praised her decision as a gesture of respect and commitment. Still others emphasised that taking a husband’s surname or keeping one’s maiden name should ultimately remain a matter of personal choice.
Instagram and Facebook mirrored the divide. Some mocked critics as envious, suggesting only those without wealth insist on retaining their father’s names. Others proposed compromises such as double-barrel surnames or stressed that children will still bear the husband’s name regardless of the woman’s decision.
Through the arguments, one thread remained consistent: Temi Otedola’s decision to change her name has touched a cultural nerve, highlighting how questions of identity, tradition, and modern expectations continue to spark heated conversations in Nigeria.
