Acclaimed Nollywood actress Lala Akindoju has expressed her views on the custom of women adopting their husbands' surnames upon marriage.
The film producer believes that women should not feel
obligated to change their last names.
In a post on her X account, Akindoju contended that this
tradition lacks biblical support and proposed the idea of combining surnames
instead.
She emphasized that this practice is rooted in outdated
notions and that retaining a maiden name can be significant for a woman's sense
of self.
Additionally, the actress urged couples to engage in open
discussions about what works best for them, free from external pressures.
“Honestly, if we really want to follow ‘2 shall become 1,’
the couple should merge both surnames. I still question the children
automatically coming from the man’s state of origin, his surname, and the fact
that the man “owns” the child. The whole thing messes with my head so much.
“Yet it’s the woman who physically goes through a life
transforming process to birth the children.
“Yet, she’s relegated. I may not have the answers, but it
troubles my entire being and I am yet to find the scripture that says the woman
must take the man’s name.
“Scripture actually says the man cleaves to the woman (but
what do I know). Most importantly, a woman should be allowed to choose.
“Whether she wants to change her name or not or compound it.
It’s sha somehow that boys are never raised to think their identity will
change.
“But just because of a woman’s gender, she’s
raised/socialized to know that she shouldn’t get too comfortable with a name
and identity she’s known all her life. I don’t have the answers, but I strongly
question this practice.”
Ms. Akindele, a Nigerian actress, wed Chef Gbubemi Fregene,
also known as Chef Fregz, in September 2018. They welcomed a son in February
2021.
Her acting career began in 2005 with stage performances before transitioning to feature films. She has received numerous accolades for her work.