Nollywood actress Bukola Arugba has finally addressed the persistent speculation surrounding her failed marriage to fellow actor Damola Olatunji, firmly closing the door on any possibility of reconciliation while offering rare insights into their separation.
Speaking candidly on her newly launched YouTube channel, Arugba expressed visible frustration with fans who continue to harbor hopes of the once-beloved couple reuniting, despite clear indications that both have moved on with their lives. The actress, who shares twins with Olatunji, delivered a straightforward message to those still invested in their past relationship.
“It’s not going to happen,” Arugba stated emphatically when questioned about the possibility of rekindling her relationship with Olatunji. “He has someone new in his life, and I would appreciate if everyone could respect that and allow him to move forward without the burden of our past hanging over him.”
The actress’s comments come after months of speculation and indirect questioning from fans who have struggled to accept the end of the couple’s marriage, which was once considered one of Nollywood’s most stable unions. Their separation shocked many followers, as the pair had frequently displayed their family life on social media and appeared to maintain a united front in public appearances.
Arugba revealed that while she had initially been reluctant to discuss the details of their divorce publicly, the constant inquiries and speculation had forced her hand. “I’ve reached my limit with these questions,” she admitted. “I understand that people care and that they want what they believe is best for us, but at some point, we need to respect each other’s decisions and new paths.”
The actress offered a rare glimpse into the factors that contributed to their marriage’s collapse, explaining that despite her commitment to making the relationship work, certain circumstances made it ultimately untenable. While she refrained from divulging specific incidents, her tone suggested profound disappointment with how events unfolded.
“I gave that marriage everything I had,” Arugba revealed, emotion evident in her voice. But sometimes, no matter how much you invest in a relationship, it reaches a point where continuing becomes more damaging than walking away. That’s where we found ourselves.”
Arugba was quick to emphasize that despite the end of their romantic relationship, she and Olatunji maintain a cordial co-parenting arrangement for their twins. We’re still connected through our children, and that relationship remains important to both of us,” she noted. “We’ve found a way to navigate our new reality that prioritizes their well-being above all else.”
When questioned about her own romantic future, Arugba dismissed any immediate plans for remarriage. “I’m perfectly content being single right now,” she stated. “This period has given me the opportunity to rediscover myself, focus on my career, and be fully present for my children without the complications of navigating a new relationship.”
The actress also addressed the challenges of maintaining privacy in an industry where personal relationships often become public property. As public figures, especially in Nollywood, there’s an expectation that our personal lives belong to our fans,” she observed. While I appreciate the support and love, there needs to be boundaries around what aspects of my life I’m obligated to share.
Entertainment analyst Funmi Adetiba notes that Arugba’s candid approach represents a shift in how Nigerian celebrities are choosing to address personal matters. We’re seeing more Nollywood actors taking control of their narratives rather than allowing rumors to flourish,” Adetiba explained. “By creating her own platform and addressing these questions directly, Arugba is reclaiming agency over her personal story.”
Social media reactions to Arugba’s revelations have been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment at the finality of her statements, while others have commended her for her honesty and maturity in handling a difficult situation.
I appreciate her transparency and respect how she’s handling this without vilifying her ex,” wrote one YouTube commenter. Co-parenting is hard enough without public scrutiny.”
Another fan expressed: “It’s sad to see them apart, but I’m glad she’s found peace and is focusing on herself and her children. Sometimes that’s the healthiest choice.”
The couple’s separation highlights the complex reality of relationships in the public eye, where the pressure of maintaining a certain image can sometimes compound existing challenges. Cultural commentator Adebayo Ogunlesi suggests that Nigerian audiences often struggle to separate actors from their on-screen personas or public images.
There’s a tendency to project certain expectations onto celebrity couples,” Ogunlesi observed. “When those expectations aren’t met, fans can feel personally invested in seeing a reconciliation, even when the parties involved have clearly moved on.”
As Arugba focuses on her career resurgence and solo parenting journey, industry insiders note that she has approached this new chapter with remarkable grace. Recent projects have showcased her range as an actress, with critics praising her ability to channel personal experiences into nuanced performances.
For now, Arugba appears determined to shift the conversation away from her past relationship and toward her future endeavors. There’s so much more to my story than my marriage or its end,” she reminded her audience. I’m excited about the projects I’m working on and the woman I’m becoming. That’s where I’d like the focus to be.”
As Nollywood continues to evolve, with more actors using digital platforms to connect directly with their audiences, Arugba’s forthright approach may signal a new era of celebrity-fan relationships—one where boundaries are more clearly defined, and personal narratives remain firmly in the hands of those living them.
