Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola, daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, has formally dropped her father’s surname and now goes by Temiloluwa Ajibade following her marriage to musician Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi.
The change became public this week when Temi updated her Instagram biography to reflect her new surname. The adjustment came shortly after a series of high-profile wedding ceremonies that took the couple from Monaco to Dubai and Iceland earlier this year.
Her decision has ignited spirited debate across Nigerian social media platforms. While some users described the change as a natural step in marriage and a reflection of personal choice, others argued that discarding a globally recognized surname like Otedola diminishes her paternal identity.
The Guardian (Nigeria) noted that reactions were sharply divided, with some commentators questioning why women in high-profile families should have to trade their names after marriage. Supporters countered that the move underscores tradition and emphasizes her new role as part of the Ajibade family.
For Temi, the decision also carries symbolic weight. The couple had previously captioned a wedding photograph Mr and Mrs Ajibade, a public declaration of their shared identity. By aligning her digital presence with her married name, she reinforced that commitment.
The Otedola family has not issued any public statement on the matter. But the attention surrounding the change illustrates how, in Nigeria, even deeply personal choices by public figures are often viewed through the lens of cultural expectations, wealth, and legacy.
Temi’s transition to Ajibade not only signals the start of a new chapter with her husband but also highlights the ongoing conversation about how women navigate names, identity, and tradition in contemporary Nigerian society.
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