Veteran Nollywood actress, Ireti Doyle, has for the first time spoken publicly about her divorce from her ex-husband, Patrick Doyle, revealing in a recent interview with TV host Morayo Brown why she chose to keep the matter private.
The actress said ending the marriage was painful and emphasised that the public did not need an explanation.
“First of all, you didn’t hear anything because it is none of your business. Two people come together to get married, there’s a celebration. Sadly, unfortunately, something went wrong and you could no longer continue the life journey together.
“The only people you owe explanation to, at all, are those family and friends that gathered on day one. You see this larger audience that you are performing for, they do not care.
“God forbid, because I will never knowingly give myself up as clickbait. The end of any relationship, talkless of long-term marriage, is painful,” she said.
Ireti had announced her divorce in January 2023, years after the couple had separated, without sharing details.
Despite the split, both have maintained a professional relationship on screen. Speaking on The Morayo Show, she said her decision to remain silent was intentional and offered advice to women navigating divorce.
“Why are you bleeding all over the internet, madam? And I’m talking to my sisters. You’re not going to win. So, who are you explaining your matter to? You spend, you know, the end of a relationship, any relationship, talk less of a long-term marriage, is painful,” she said.
The 58-year-old actress described the emotional toll of divorce as deeply personal, involving reflection and learning. “Whatever the circumstances, not apportioning blame, it is painful. One of the things you do is second-guess yourself; you second-guess your judgment.
“Did I do right? Am I making the right decisions? You need to spend all that energy to sit down, go deep within, understand what went wrong for the sole purpose of not making the same mistakes again,” Ireti added.
She concluded by advising individuals experiencing similar situations to focus on personal growth and future aspirations rather than seeking public validation.
