Nollywood veteran actress Iyabo Ojo has opened up about the unique dynamics of her relationship with music executive Paul Okoye, popularly known as Paulo, emphasizing that the couple has no plans for marriage. During a candid interview on TVC’s “Your View,” the actress shared insights into their relationship arrangement that prioritizes personal space and independence.
Ojo revealed that despite their strong connection, both she and Paulo maintain separate residences, allowing each the freedom to retreat to their own spaces when desired. “Because of the way I work, I am such a workaholic, and he is also a workaholic. That Igbo man likes to work,” she explained, highlighting their shared dedication to their respective careers as a foundational aspect of their relationship.
The mother of two particularly emphasized how their understanding of personal boundaries strengthens rather than weakens their bond. For me, there are times when I want to be alone, and I just pack my bags and return to my house. We never fight over that because he understands,” she shared, suggesting a level of emotional maturity that allows them to navigate the complexities of maintaining individual identities within a committed relationship.
Perhaps most notably, Ojo made a definitive statement regarding their future plans: “We don’t want marriage.” This straightforward declaration indicates the couple has deliberately chosen a relationship model that exists outside traditional expectations of matrimony, particularly significant in the context of Nigerian society where marriage is often considered the ultimate goal of romantic relationships.
The actress first went public with her relationship with Paulo on December 21, 2022, coinciding with her 45th birthday celebration. After months of speculation from fans and entertainment observers, Ojo confirmed their relationship by sharing a video collage featuring intimate moments between the couple on her Instagram page, officially acknowledging Paulo as her partner.
Paul Okoye, not to be confused with Paul Okoye of P-Square fame, is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s music industry. As the founder and CEO of One Africa Music Fest, he has established himself as an influential entertainment executive with extensive connections across the African music landscape. His company has organized major music festivals featuring top African artists in international venues including London, New York, Dubai, and Houston.
Iyabo Ojo’s candid discussion about her relationship reflects evolving attitudes toward partnership models in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where public figures increasingly feel empowered to pursue relationships that prioritize personal fulfillment over societal expectations. Her comfort in discussing this unconventional arrangement publicly represents a departure from more traditional approaches to celebrity relationships in the Nigerian context.
The actress’s revelation comes at a time when she continues to maintain a thriving career in Nollywood, having established herself as both an accomplished actress and producer over more than two decades in the industry. Beginning her acting career in 1998, Ojo has appeared in numerous Yoruba and English-language films while also producing several successful projects under her production company.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ojo has garnered attention for her parenting journey as a single mother to her two children, Festus and Priscilla, who have both developed public profiles of their own. Her daughter Priscilla has established herself as a social media influencer and content creator, while her son Festus maintains a lower profile but occasionally appears in family-oriented content on his mother’s social platforms.
Ojo’s transparent approach to discussing her relationship philosophy aligns with her generally forthright public persona. Throughout her career, she has been known for speaking candidly about various aspects of her life, including past relationships, parenting challenges, and business ventures. This authenticity has contributed significantly to her enduring connection with fans who appreciate her willingness to share personal truths rather than presenting an idealized version of her life.
The actress’s decision to articulate her relationship preferences so clearly offers a counternarrative to traditional relationship progression models in Nigerian society, where long-term romantic partnerships are typically expected to culminate in marriage. By openly embracing a partnership model that prioritizes emotional compatibility and mutual respect for independence over legal formalization, Ojo potentially provides an alternative framework for her fans to consider in their own relationship choices.
The timing of these revelations is particularly interesting as Ojo navigates a career phase where many actresses historically faced diminishing opportunities. Instead, she has continued to evolve professionally while simultaneously embracing a relationship that supports her autonomy and career focus. This integration of personal fulfillment and professional development represents a holistic approach to life that many contemporary women aspire to achieve.
Paulo’s apparent comfort with this arrangement, as described by Ojo, suggests a partnership based on mutual understanding rather than conformity to external expectations. His acceptance of her need for personal space and independence indicates a relationship built on respect for individual identity within the partnership framework – a dynamic that relationship experts often identify as crucial for sustainable long-term connections.
The couple’s willingness to define their relationship on their own terms rather than adhering to societal prescriptions reflects broader social shifts occurring across Nigeria, particularly among urban, educated professionals who increasingly prioritize compatibility and personal fulfillment in their relationship choices. Though still representing a minority view within the larger social context, such approaches to partnership are gaining visibility through public figures like Ojo who openly embrace alternative relationship models.
As the actress continues to navigate her career and personal life in the public eye, her transparency about this aspect of her life adds another dimension to her public persona. By sharing these personal insights, she contributes to evolving conversations about relationship diversity in contemporary Nigerian society, potentially creating space for others to consider relationship models that prioritize individual needs and mutual understanding over traditional conventions.
For now, Ojo and Paulo appear content with their chosen arrangement – a partnership that honors both their connection and their independence, demonstrating that meaningful relationships can take many forms beyond the traditional marriage model.
