Why I Will Never Change My Surname in Marriage – Toke Makinwa
Famed Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has shed light on her unwavering stance against adopting her partner’s surname in marriage.
In a candid discussion on her podcast, she articulated that her name stands as a testament to the brand she diligently cultivated. Having previously experienced marriage and subsequent divorce, allegedly due to infidelity, she emphasized that retaining her surname facilitated a smoother transition during the challenging period of separation.
“I kept my last name when I got married. It was meant to be Toke Makinwa-Ayida, but it was only at home that he called me Mrs. Ayida,” she revealed. “I hope that whoever I end up with next would actually love it because Toke Makinwa is staying. I don’t want to hyphenate. But my kids can bear their father’s surname.”
Throughout her marriage, she maintained her individual identity in official documents, stressing, “In my marriage, my bank details, my passport, nothing changed. Imagine what I would have gone through trying to change it back when we got divorced. I have built this brand with my blood, sweat, and tears.”
Toke Makinwa’s unwavering commitment to her personal and professional identity resonates with her audience, exemplifying her determination to uphold the legacy she has painstakingly crafted.
Embracing her words is not just a sign of independence, but an affirmation of the enduring legacy of selfhood that transcends the realms of matrimony.
