Iniobong Edo’s recent interview sheds light on her evolving perspective on marriage and relationships. After her divorce from Philip Ehiagwina in 2014, she emphasizes that marriage is no longer a priority for her. Instead, she values solid relationships over the institution of marriage itself, stating, “I’m not hoping, and it’s not any of my prayer points.”
Her earlier social media post, which sparked engagement rumors, was actually a promotional stunt for her upcoming series, My Fairytale Wedding. In the interview, she clarified that her focus is on her career and the stories she wants to tell rather than on getting married again.
However, what seemed like a personal life event was a clever promotion for her upcoming four-part series, ‘My Fairytale Wedding,’ which tells the story of a young lady who, with the help of magic (Kayanmata), bags the most eligible bachelor in Lagos. Despite the initial stir, fans soon realised the post was about the show, not her real life.
But, in a frank conversation with this newspaper, when asked if she was looking forward to a real fairytale wedding in the future, the actress clarified, “I’m not crazy about marriage; I’m crazy about having a solid relationship. I’m not hoping, and it’s not any of my prayer points.”
She also reflected on the changing landscape of Nollywood, where women have increasingly taken centre stage. She acknowledged the contributions of female filmmakers like Bolanle Austen-Peters, Funke Akindele, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, emphasising that women are now dominating the industry.
Edo also acknowledged the significant strides women have made in Nollywood, praising female filmmakers for reshaping the industry landscape. Despite her regrets regarding her past marriage, she remains open to the possibility of finding love again, particularly after her experiences with surrogacy and multiple miscarriages.
This candidness not only highlights her personal journey but also reflects broader themes of women’s empowerment and the changing narratives surrounding marriage in contemporary society.
In 2021, she welcomed her daughter through surrogacy, using her eggs. For Ini, this was the best path to fulfil her desire for motherhood, and she expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to raise her child.
The actress, who has been a mainstay in Nollywood since her breakout role in ‘World Apart’ in 2004, continues to shine on screen and as a mother.
The Akwa Ibom-born has over 200 films to her name. She has earned multiple awards and launched a fashion and cosmetics brand, Secrets of April, in 2021. She also co-produced the Netflix series Shanty Town in 2023.
Beyond acting, Ini runs GEMS Africa, an NGO empowering young women, and has served as a special assistant on culture and tourism since 2016.
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