Celebrity Converts: 10 Notable Nigerian Actresses Embracing Islam for Love and Marriage

Celebrity Converts: 10 Notable Nigerian Actresses Embracing Islam for Love and Marriage

Introduction: In the realm of showbiz, love often transcends boundaries, prompting some Nigerian actresses to embrace Islam for the sake of matrimonial bliss. This article delves into the intriguing stories of 10 top actresses who underwent religious conversions in the name of love and relationships.

1. Faithia Williams: Unknown to many, popular Nollywood actress, Faithia Williams, is an Urhobo woman from Delta state. She was born into a Roman Catholic family before later adopting the Cherubim and Seraphim faith. However, Faithia soon converted to Islam shortly before her marriage to her ex-husband and Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun. She used to be known as Faith Williams before her conversion and marriage to Saheed Balogun.

2. Funke Akindele: This top Nollywood actress converted to Islam when she got married to her first ex-husband, Alhaji Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede. They held their Nikkai ceremony on May 24, 2012, and the actress was also renamed Khadijat in line with her new Muslim faith.

3. Debbie Shokoya: Popular Nollywood actress, Debbie Shokoya made headlines in February 2023 after she got engaged to an unnamed man. However, netizens were quick to dig up the identity of her husband-to-be. It was gathered that she got engaged to one Lukman Ejalonibu, a Muslim married man. After the reports of their engagement became public knowledge, Debby revealed that she had also converted to Islam and taken a Muslim name, Mutmaina.

4. Mercy Aigbe: Actress Mercy Aigbe’s marriage to businessman, Kazim ‘Adekaz’ Adeoti, was met with a series of criticism on social media seeing as he was already married with kids. However, the couple did not back down with their display of love on social media and seemed to draw fans to their side as many noted that they had to be truly in love. In March 2023, Mercy Aigbe and her husband hosted a Ramadan lecture and a video went viral where she spoke on embracing Islam. Not stopping there, she also revealed her new name, Hajia Minnah (with the H).

5. Chichi Morah aka Farida Fasasi (Sound Sultan’s wife): Late Nigerian singer, Sound Sultan, got married to an Igbo woman, Chichi Morah. She later converted to Islam and started to be known as Farida Fasasi. She embraced Islam and still seemed to be practicing even after the death of her husband and the father of her kids.

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6. Laide Bakare: Nollywood actress Laide Bakare was a Christian and also used to be married to a Christian man. However, their marriage hit the rocks and she moved on with Alhaji Tunde Orilowo also known as ATM. The movie star’s marriage to Alhaji as one of his wives led to her conversion to Islam. She eventually traveled to Mecca and became known as an Alhaja.

7. Liz DaSilva: This Yoruba Nollywood actress converted from Christianity to Islam over her marriage to her husband, Alhaji Olaoye. She also changed her name to Aishat as they welcomed their first child together. Their son was named Raheem. According to her, the reason for her conversion was to show the world that she had a great relationship with her child’s father.

8: Lola Alao: Actress, Lola Alao broke the internet in 2016 when she announced her conversion to Islam and adopted the name ‘Rhodiat’.  Confirming the stance, she admitted that she came from a Muslim background and that the religion was not new to her.

9. Oyebade Adebimpe: Oyebade Adebimpe, also known as Mo Bimpe, is a fast-rising Yoruba actress who recently converted to Islam after she got married to her husband, Lateef Adedimeji.

10. Adunni Ade: Actress Adunni Ade shocked everyone in 2020 when she revealed she was now a Muslim. However, the mother of two said she was raised as a Muslim but her father gave her free will to practice whatever religion she wanted.  She also reiterated that Islam had made her more fulfilled and happier.

Conclusion: These actresses’ journeys reflect the profound impact love can have on one’s religious identity. From public controversies to personal fulfillment, their conversations highlight the diverse paths individuals take for the sake of love and matrimony.