Nollywood actress and movie producer Mary Remmy Njoku has subtly entered the discourse surrounding the publicized marital issues involving her colleague Yul Edochie and his estranged wife.
In response to Yul Edochie’s call for his estranged wife to drop his surname, Mary expressed her belief that a mother should not be compelled to have a different name from her underage children unless she is allowed to change their names as well. She emphasized that changing a name, especially after building it for many years, should be optional after a marriage ends. Mary also noted that some wives have been instrumental in putting their surnames on the map, and asking them to drop it is akin to stealing their copyright.
If marriage ends, change of name should be optional Biko. Someone cannot build a Name for many years and he asked to change it just because Oga no wan do again. A mother shouldn’t be compelled to have a different name from her underage kids. Except she is allowed to change their names too. Besides, some wives have been responsible for putting their surnames on the map. Asking them to drop it is like stealing her copyright. Except she wants to.”
In the comment section, many sided with Mary, citing examples of Hollywood celebrities who retained their husbands’ surnames after divorce, such as Larsa Pippen and Kris Jenner. Various opinions surfaced, highlighting that changing a name is a personal choice and not compulsory after a divorce.
Mary Njoku’s viewpoint contrasts with Grace Makun, the wife of celebrity designer Yomi Casual, who had urged May Edochie to get rid of Yul Edochie’s surname. Grace advised May to reclaim her identity and flourish independently.
This conversation echoes past instances, such as actress Ireti Doyle’s decision to retain her ex-husband Patrick Doyle’s surname after their divorce. Ireti defended her choice, stating that the name ‘Ireti Doyle’ is now hers, with nearly 30 years of association.
