Nollywood veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has candidly shared her personal journey and reflections on love, marriage, and life choices in a recent interview, revealing why she remains unmarried at the age of 52.
The acclaimed star, known for her powerful performances in Nigerian films, sat down with Pulse Nigeria for an intimate conversation about her life, career, and personal experiences with relationships. During the interview, Akintola disclosed that while she has no children, her single status is not a deliberate decision but rather the result of life’s unpredictable circumstances and her unwavering commitment to her values.
With remarkable honesty, Akintola shared a poignant chapter of her life, recounting how she once met a man she believed could be her lifelong partner. Tragically, this potential love story was cut short when he passed away. Since that heartbreaking loss, the actress revealed she hasn’t encountered anyone else who could fill that special role in her life.
The talented performer, who comes from a diverse cultural background with her mother originating from Edo State and her father from Oyo State, spoke passionately about her views on marriage. She described it as a sacred institution that should be celebrated in the house of God, surrounded by family and friends who genuinely care about the couple’s happiness.
Despite societal expectations about age and marriage timelines, Akintola maintains an open mind about finding love later in life. She boldly stated that she would willingly walk down the aisle at any age—even at 78—if she meets someone who truly complements her life and values.
Bimbo Akintola’s heartfelt explanation about being single at 52
“I don’t have children, unfortunately. Marriage is important. Marriage is simple. It’s something that you do in the house of God. You go to church, call everyone that loves you, and say those vows that you will cherish and honor for the rest of your life,” Akintola shared with palpable emotion in her voice.
“I haven’t found the person I would spend the rest of my life with. I did find someone once—someone I believed could be that person. But he died. And I haven’t found anyone since then who makes me feel that way. I can’t lie about these things; I don’t know how to live a lie. I want everything in my life to be rooted in truthfulness. I need to be true to myself and to God above all else.”
The actress continued with conviction: “I don’t think I could marry someone unless I’m completely certain I can spend forever with them. That’s just how I’m wired. But if that person comes along—even when I’m 78—why wouldn’t I say yes? Marriage matters. It’s not what defines us as women, and it’s certainly not the ultimate goal of existence. But it’s an important part of life, especially as we grow older.”
Akintola touched on the realities of aging, noting: “As time passes, everyone begins to go their separate ways—children grow up and start their own lives, friends move in different directions. There’s something called loneliness that becomes very real in later years. Having a companion to share those golden years with—that’s precious.”
The full interview, including Akintola’s thoughtful reflections on her career, the evolution of Nollywood, and her hopes for the future, can be seen in the video below...
Fans and followers have flooded social media with messages of support for Akintola, praising her honesty and courage in sharing her personal story. Many have commended her for challenging societal norms about marriage timelines and for staying true to her principles despite pressure from cultural expectations.
As one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses, Akintola continues to inspire both through her artistic work and her authentic approach to life’s challenges. Her story serves as a reminder that personal fulfillment comes in many forms, and that being true to oneself is ultimately more important than conforming to external expectations.