Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has opened up on her decision to give her former husband, Ademidun Ojo, a prominent role during their daughter Priscilla Ojo’s wedding, explaining that she refused to allow personal differences affect their child’s happiness.
The actress made the disclosure during a Monday appearance on The Morayo Show, where she discussed the widely noticed presence of her ex-husband at Priscilla’s elaborate wedding ceremonies.
Iyabo explained that her decision was influenced by her desire to break negative family patterns and ensure that disagreements between parents do not become a burden for their children.
The actress married Ademidun Ojo in 1999 at the age of 21, and the union produced two children — Festus Oladunjoye Ojo, born on June 21, 1999, and Priscilla Ajoke Ojo, born on March 13, 2001.
The marriage ended in 2001, shortly after the birth of their daughter. Iyabo had previously attributed the separation to the challenges of marrying at a young age and the pressures that came with early motherhood.
Speaking during the interview, the actress said she deliberately chose to separate her personal issues with her former husband from his relationship with their children.
Responding to a question from the host, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, on why she allowed Ademidun to play such a visible role at Priscilla’s wedding despite their separation, Iyabo said she was determined not to repeat mistakes from previous generations.
“I don’t know, there’s something called ancestral curses. And we Africans believe in it. Christians also. I believe that if you do not want something to continue, you have to be able to break it,” she said.
The actress explained that she wanted her children to have a different experience from what she witnessed growing up.
“So I made up my mind that whatever situation had happened, because my dad and my mum were also not together, every mistake they had made that I have made, my children will not make it,” she added.
Iyabo noted that despite whatever differences existed between her and her former husband, she believed those issues should not affect their children’s milestones.
“So I had to put aside what I felt, my differences, and play my part. That’s why I said I have paid the price for her to succeed and for her to be happy in her marriage,” the actress stated.
She further explained that Ademidun’s role as Priscilla’s father remained important, regardless of the history between them.
“Her father is not dead. He’s alive. So why can’t he be there? He didn’t wrong her. Me and him fell out. It has nothing to do with her,” Iyabo said.
“I made the choice to marry him. So whatever is going on between me and him is between me and him. It shouldn’t extend to my children,” she added.
Actress Rejects Strict Mother Label
During the interview, Iyabo Ojo also addressed public perceptions about her parenting style, particularly claims that she was overly strict while raising her children.
The actress acknowledged that she maintained firm rules as a mother but said her children eventually understood that her decisions were driven by love and a desire to protect their future.
According to her, parenting sometimes requires difficult choices, especially when trying to prepare children for adulthood.
Priscilla Ojo’s High-Profile Marriage
Priscilla Ojo’s marriage to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux attracted widespread attention in 2025, with celebrations held across Tanzania and Nigeria.
The wedding ceremonies featured several entertainers, public figures, and dignitaries, becoming one of the most discussed celebrity events of the year.
In July 2025, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. A gender reveal ceremony held in Tanzania confirmed they were expecting a baby boy, while a baby shower later took place in Canada with Iyabo Ojo and other family members in attendance.
Priscilla later welcomed their son, Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, in Canada in August 2025.
The actress’s daughter revealed that labour began unexpectedly at about 3 a.m., disrupting her planned content and lifestyle activities before the arrival of the baby.
She also jokingly shared on Snapchat that their son appeared determined to have his own moment, arriving earlier than expected around his father’s birthday period.
Since becoming a mother, Priscilla has continued to share aspects of her postpartum journey with fans, including updates on fitness, fashion, and family life, receiving positive reactions from followers.