Media personality Toke Makinwa has recently shared candid reflections on her previous marriage, discussing how she navigated through challenging times while addressing the misconceptions that surrounded her experience. In her openness about survival and resilience, she offers insight into her personal journey and the strength she discovered along the way.
Who is Toke Makinwa?
Toke Makinwa is a popular Nigerian media personality, television host, author, and entrepreneur. She gained widespread recognition as a radio presenter and later expanded her career to include television hosting, vlogging, and writing. Known for her candid approach to discussing personal experiences, Toke has built a significant following through her authentic storytelling and motivational content.
Background on Her Previous Marriage
Toke Makinwa was previously married to fitness enthusiast Maje Ayida in a highly publicised ceremony in 2014. However, the marriage became the subject of public scrutiny when reports of infidelity surfaced, leading to their eventual divorce. The situation garnered significant media attention, with many following the developments closely. Despite the public nature of her marital challenges, Toke has consistently maintained her dignity while addressing the situation on her own terms.
During her interview with Chude Jideonwo, Toke addressed the criticisms she received regarding her resilience throughout her previous marriage. She emphasized that individuals lacked the authority to pass judgment without having endured comparable circumstances themselves.
“People almost find a way to say it must not have been that bad. Because you didn’t die. And people love those sorts of stories… But if [someone] bounces back ten times harder than [they] used to be, people almost envy your strength. Instead of accepting the fact that, oh, I can learn a thing or two from this, it threatens their peace of mind. … Until you survive what I’ve walked in, don’t comment on it,” she explained.
She observed that individuals often downplay others’ struggles, particularly when they witness remarkable recovery. Rather than drawing inspiration from such resilience, she noted that people frequently feel threatened by another person’s ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than before.
She acknowledged that the public nature of her marriage may have influenced her decision to leave, admitting she might have remained in the relationship otherwise.
“Could I have stayed if it wasn’t so public? Maybe, maybe. But the way I loved this person, he was going to kill me if I stayed. How I felt was going to become my entire life,” she added.
