27th January, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Actress and filmmaker Jaiye Kuti has revealed her marital experiences, stating that she tried to leave her marriage three times and her husband support.
She recently sparked significant interest by sharing that many married women, herself included, have contemplated ending their marriages.
However, in an interview with Saturday Beats, she emphasized that the key to overcoming marital challenges lies in understanding and forgiveness.
Kuti expressed, “I actually wanted people to know that marriage is not a bed of roses. I want women to know that understanding has 150 per cent to do in the success of every marriage, because love is not enough. Yes, you need to love one another. But, there will be a time when you will look at each other, and wonder how you got married in the first place. That is the point where understanding comes in. Both spouses will have to understand that everybody is human, and are prone to mistakes. If the parties involved are not ready to forgive each other, they won’t be able to sustain the marriage”.
Addressing the issue of infidelity, she shared her perspective from her 20-year marriage, highlighting that challenges can arise even without cheating.
“What if your husband cheats? Even men that don’t cheat could have other issues. I have been married for over 20 years. If I add the period of our courtship, that will be 25 years. My husband actually sponsored my education at the University of Lagos before we got married in 2000.”
She mentioned her husband’s support in sponsoring her education and stressed that young individuals should acknowledge that absolute happiness, love, or romance in marriage is unrealistic.
Responding to the notion that religious beliefs can shield marriages from difficulties, Kuti countered, “There’s no guarantee that religious beliefs will prevent challenges in marriage. Regardless of one’s faith, marriages inevitably encounter obstacles, and it’s something we must accept.”