Cole Family Saga: Five Nigerian celebrities who embraced love beyond age barrier

Unconventional love tales in Nigeria are typically tainted by cultural conventions, especially when the lady is older than the guy.

Some couples bravely resist these expectations, questioning long-standing customs and experiencing love in its purest form, in spite of the unsaid disapproval and subtly critical remarks.

A painful issue arises from the shadows as the public focuses on the glitz and glamour of celebrity marriages: Is age really a determining factor in the success or failure of a partnership, or is it just a number in the broader scheme of love?

The Cole family of Victoria Island, Lagos, was the subject of an intriguing story that captured the attention of fans on the internet over the weekend.

At the centre of the whirlwind was Taiwo Cole, scion of the illustrious clan, whose recent nuptials to actress and comedian Wofai Ewa, fondly known as Wofai Fada, ignited a firestorm of chatter.

Their customary nuptials, which had been kept secret and out of the public view until then, took place against the scenic background of Ugep, Cross River State.

The Cole family disapproved of the marriage in a statement released on Sunday.

In response to the difficulties surrounding her marriage to Taiwo Cole, Wofai Fada shared a video on her 1.2 million Instagram followers’ page that same day with the statement, “Let love lead.”

The actress reaffirmed on Monday that she and her fiancé, Taiwo Cole, will always be married.

In the Nigerian entertainment landscape, where the glitz of fame intertwines with the pressures of societal norms, PUNCH Online shines a spotlight on five remarkable personalities who defy age disparities in their unions.

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Here are five popular Nigerian celebrities who married older women:

• Peter and Lola Okoye:

Lola Okoye, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Friday, September 2, is the beloved wife of Peter Okoye, renowned as one half of the iconic musical duo, P Square.

Despite the nine-year age gap between them—Peter and his twin brother Paul were born on November 18, 1981, while Lola’s birthday falls on September 2, 1972—their love story blossomed over seven years before they exchanged vows in 2013.

Blessed with a son named Cameron and a daughter named Aliona, the Okoyes cherish their journey as a family.

Lola in 2021 noted her happiness about how the now-defunct music group, P-square, put their differences aside after a long musical fallout.

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• Deola And Darey Art Alade:

Renowned R&B sensation Darey Art Alade found his forever partner in Deola, a dynamic serial entrepreneur when they tied the knot in February 2007.

Celebrating over 14 years of marriage, they have embraced their eight-year age difference with grace and contentment.

Darey once remarked, “No pressures at all! Everybody at some time finds what works for him or her.”

With two delightful children, Darey and Deola exemplify how love transcends age, demonstrating that happiness knows no bounds.

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• Mike Edwards and Perri Shakes-Drayton:

The love story of Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem runner-up, Mike Edwards, and British Olympian Perri is a tale of athletic prowess and enduring affection.

Married in 2019, they navigate life’s milestones with synchronicity, despite Perri being two years older than Mike.

Welcoming their son into the world, their bond is a testament to the depth of their connection and shared aspirations.

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• MC Fish and Anita Joseph:

Nigerian comedian MC Fish and Nollywood actress Anita Joseph share a love story that transcends age barriers.

Despite their eight-year age difference, the couple’s bond radiates joy and affection, evident in their expressive displays on social media.

While they haven’t welcomed a child together, Anita Joseph’s daughter from a previous relationship enriches their familial journey, emphasizing the beauty of blended families.

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• Joseph Ameh and Kaffy:

Renowned dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach Kaffy, known for her Guinness World Record achievement, embarked on a journey of love with Joseph Ameh, P Square’s drummer, in 2012.

Despite their eight-year age gap—Kaffy being the elder—life took an unexpected turn when Kaffy filed for divorce in January 2022, marking the end of their marital union.

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Unconfirmed reports indicated that extramarital affairs allegations against Ameh played a vital part in the breakup.

Meanwhile, opinions on whether age is merely a number when it comes to marriage are as diverse as the individuals themselves.

THE MATRIX did a vox populi, a myriad of perspectives emerged, showcasing the wide spectrum of beliefs on the matter.

Some ardently advocate for the notion that age holds little significance, asserting that love knows no bounds and that compatibility transcends numerical differences.

Conversely, others contend that age disparity can pose challenges, emphasizing the importance of shared life experiences and developmental stages in a successful partnership.

Amidst these contrasting viewpoints, one thing remains clear: the concept of age in relation to marriage is a deeply personal and nuanced topic, reflecting the unique values and priorities of each individual.