Olukayode Salako, the husband of actress Foluke Daramola-Salako, has opened up about his decision to father a child with another woman while still married to the actress.
Foluke and Salako married in 2010, but the couple has yet to have a child. Foluke has two children from his previous marriage to Tunde Sobowale, which lasted from 2005 to 2008.
Similarly, Salako has a history of marital separation, having separated from his ex-wife, Olubukola Olusunmola, with whom he shares three children.
On Monday, the former Lagos State Chairman of the Labor Party (LP) clarified the personal circumstances surrounding his decision in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
He revealed that he made the decision with his wife's full consent, refuting rumors that he married another wife.
Salako had a son, Murewa, with Oluwafunke Oyegoke-Salako, originally from Ogbomosho in Oyo State.
He said: “This response aims to shed light on the trending topic and socially correct any misleading beliefs on this topic. Foluke has been involved from the beginning. It happened with your understanding and permission. It took me three years to beg Foluke Daramola-Salako, my wife, to allow me to have at least one or two children here in Nigeria for the security of my old age. I don't know when I will return to the place where I come from, but it is my desire to grow old.
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“I have told my creator that at 100 years old is when I love to go (laughs). I am already over 50 years old and I don't want to be 70 years old and still live alone, without children around me, especially with whom to lead my life and send messages in my old age. I love children, and I love living with them. I don't want to grow old and be looking for kids to send me things around the neighborhood to buy for me. “I finally got her to understand it, thanks to the help of Foluke’s mother, about four years ago.”
Product of understanding
Furthermore, Salako shared that Murewa, who is now over three years old, is the result of a mutual understanding between him and the 46-year-old actress.
In addition, he highlighted that the actress, who made her film debut in the series 'Palace' in 1998, advised him against having a child with a woman characterized as 'reckless' and socially rude.
The 50-year-old politician said the founder of the “Action Against Rape in Africa” initiative, a movement dedicated to combating rape and holding perpetrators accountable across the continent, urged him to have the child with a well-raised young woman at who she could identify as her own younger sister.
“My first three children were taken away a long time ago and they live with their mother in the United States. They are grown men now and they may not come to Nigeria to live with me like that again. I have been living alone here and 'omo odo' (house girl or boy) differs from 'omo eni' (my son). No matter what you do, 'omo odo' would also go one day to manage the affairs of his life.
“Foluke is a film producer and social celebrity who rarely stays at home. She is overwhelmed and does many things outside the home to survive. I have been married and lived with her for over 13 years, but God has not yet given us our beloved son. “She came to my senses after a while and told me you can move on,” he said.
Mutual relationship
Furthermore, the politician stressed that Foluke and the mother of his son get along well.
She also stated that there were no problems between Murewa and Foluke, highlighting that the actress dedicated her time and financial resources to celebrating Murewa's first year.
He noted: “Murewa comes to spend weekends at the house where I live with Foluke, and Foluke treats him like his son. Of course, Murewa is Foluke's favorite son here in Nigeria as all five of our children are currently abroad.
“Foluke and Funke do well together as buxom sisters. Now I am happy and have peace with my life. My older children in the United States, their mother and I are doing well together. We have solved all our problems. This response aims to shed light on the current topic and socially correct any misleading beliefs on this topic. Foluke has been involved from the beginning. It happened with your understanding and permission. Happiness is the reason why every human being should live. Now I am happy.”
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He expressed that he does not want to grow old living a miserable and lonely life; Instead, he wants to spend his final years surrounded by his children.
He said: “I know a 73-year-old man who died destitute many years ago, abandoned by his seven children who lived abroad while he remained alone here in Nigeria.”