Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has fired back at people who mock women for wanting marriage, insisting that the desire to become a wife is not desperation, emptiness or a lack of ambition. The Jenifa’s Diary star, popularly known as Toyo Baby, made the point in an Instagram post after she heard women at a salon shame another woman for saying she wanted to get married.
She opened with a declaration that left little room for doubt.
“I’M GOING TO MARRY THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.”
Then she explained the timing that made her laugh. A friend had gifted her a “BRIDE” swimsuit in 2024, and she found it the same day she spoke up at the salon.
“I wasn’t even looking for it! God really does have a sense of humour.”
Olayode said the public conversation around marriage has become unfair. Divorce stories are loud. Painful marriages are easy to list. Still, she argued, some people look at the same institution and see something worth wanting.
“Regardless of the rate of divorce, the stories we hear, or how difficult marriage can sometimes be, some people simply believe marriage is beautiful and want to experience it. And that should be okay.”
She was careful not to attack women who have chosen a different path. Single and happy is valid. Marriage as a non-priority is valid. Deciding the whole thing is not for you is valid. What she would not accept is the shaming of women who still want a husband.
“You don’t have to want marriage. You don’t have to make it a priority. You can even decide it’s not for you. But please, let those who desire it desire it in peace.”
The sharpest lines were reserved for the idea that a woman who wants marriage has somehow failed herself.
“Wanting to be married doesn’t mean you have no purpose. Wanting a husband doesn’t mean you have lost yourself. Being excited about becoming a wife doesn’t make you less ambitious or stupid.”
In her view, a full life can hold more than one hunger at once.
“Some of us want God, purpose, career, impact, money, friendship, family, a beautiful marriage and everything good in life.”
She closed with a blessing for anyone still holding that hope.
“So, may everyone who desires marriage find a good man, a good woman, and a marriage that is worth the desire. Up Love! Up Marriage!”