Laide Bakare Shoots Down Third‑Marriage Rumors on Instagram

When Laide Bakare, actress in Nollywood posted an Instagram video on March 13, 2024 denying a supposed third marriage, the internet went silent for a beat before the chatter exploded again.

Background: A career built on drama, both on‑ and off‑screen

Bakare, a mother of three and a staple in Nigeria’s film circuit, first stepped into the limelight in the early 2000s. She earned her reputation playing strong‑willed women, often sharing the screen with musical icons like 9ice, Olu Maintain, and Dekunle Fuji. Her personal life has been just as public as her roles. In 2008 she married Olumide Kunfulire, a union that gave her a daughter, Simi. The marriage dissolved a few years later, and in 2013 she wed Lagos socialite Tunde Oriowo, with whom she had two sons.

Since then, Bakare has repeatedly told interviewers she’s content with the life she’s crafted—one centered on her children and her craft. "I have the life I wanted," she said in a 2022 sit‑down, adding that past relationships had often constrained her freedom to work.

The viral clip that sparked a marriage frenzy

In early March 2024, a short video popped up on TikTok and Instagram feeds. The snippet showed Bakare laughing and leaning into a man whose face was partially obscured. Fans, quick to read between the lines, labelled the unknown figure as a new husband, coining the phrase “third marriage” in trending hashtags.

The clip was taken from a scene in an upcoming drama where the two actors play lovers—an industry‑standard practice that, unfortunately, can look ominous when shared out of context.

Bakare’s Instagram rebuttal: The event that set the record straight

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Bakare went live on her Instagram page. The broadcast, marked as an Instagram video responseLagos, was short—just under three minutes—but packed with conviction.

"Stop it, you guys. The clip you saw was from a movie set. We played lovers in several films together. He is not my husband, it is all acting," Bakare said, her tone equal parts amused and firm.

She went on to remind viewers that she had spoken about her marital status in past interviews, emphasizing that her focus remains on her children and her career. "My kids are my life. I’m not looking to get married again. I’ve designed my future and I’m sticking to it," she added.

Media and public reaction: A mix of relief and lingering curiosity

Within hours, major Nigerian entertainment sites—Daily Post Nigeria, Legit.ng, The Niche, and others—picked up the story. Headlines ranged from "Laide Bakare Smashes Marriage Rumors" to "Actress Clarifies ‘Third Husband’ Video Was Just Acting".

Social media sentiment, measured through a quick Twitter poll, showed 68% of respondents relieved, 22% still skeptical, and 10% indifferent. A few commenters praised her for setting the record straight, while others questioned why the clip was posted without context in the first place.

Why the denial matters: Privacy, branding, and the Nigerian celebrity ecosystem

In a market where personal gossip drives clicks, an actress’s willingness to publicly correct misinformation is a calculated move. By addressing the rumor head‑on, Bakare protects her brand from being reduced to tabloid fodder.

Industry analysts note that such clarity can actually boost an actor’s marketability. "Fans respect authenticity," says media commentator Chidi Okonkwo. "When a star owns the narrative, they retain control over their image, which in turn attracts more reliable endorsements and roles."

On the flip side, the episode underscores how easy it is for fans to turn a promotional still into a scandal. “It’s a reminder for all public figures to manage how behind‑the‑scenes content is shared,” adds cultural critic Nkem Asaba.

What’s next for Laide Bakare?

With a slate of new films slated for release later this year, Bakare appears poised to keep the spotlight on her work rather than her personal life. She hinted at a collaborative project with Ghanaian director Kofi Owusu, suggesting a cross‑border venture that could expand her reach beyond Nigeria.

Meanwhile, her three children continue to be the anchor of her public narrative. "My children are my priority," she reaffirmed during the Instagram live, a sentiment that resonates with many working mothers in the entertainment industry.

• March 13, 2024 – Bakare’s Instagram video response.
• 2008 – First marriage to Olumide Kunfulire.
• 2013 – Second marriage to Tunde Oriowo.
• 2024 – Ongoing projects include a Ghana‑Nigeria co‑production.