Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has opened up about why she decided to end her marriage to fellow actor Olakunle ‘Abounce’ Fawole. Jegede, who gained fame from her appearance in 2Face Idibia’s "African Queen" music video and debuted in Nollywood with the movie "Missing Angel" in 2004, confirmed the dissolution of their marriage in 2019, just a year after tying the knot.

Born in Agenebode, Edo State, Jegede took a hiatus from her rising career to study abroad before returning to the Nigerian film industry. Despite her success, her marriage faced challenges that led to its breakdown. Jegede revealed that the primary reason for their separation was the financial imbalance between her and Abounce.

“But that wasn’t the main reason I left the marriage. Let me just say the fact: I was bringing more of the money. I’m taking care of my son like nobody exists around me. It’s not easy. I would have gone for money instead of love,” she admitted.

Jegede, who single-handedly travelled to the United States to give birth to their son, Xavier, shared that she carried the financial, emotional, and physical burdens of parenting alone. He remained distant despite her efforts to involve Abounce, even missing their son’s first birthday.

Reflecting on their relationship, Jegede described her ex-husband as kind-hearted, a trait that initially drew her to him. However, their issues escalated, leading to their divorce shortly after Xavier’s birth. She also highlighted the strain caused by their age difference, with Abounce taking jokes as disrespect due to his seniority.

In a revealing teaser for the upcoming episode of 'The Honest Bunch' podcast, Jegede expressed regret for choosing love over financial stability. "I would have gone for money instead of love," she stated, underscoring the challenges she faced as the primary provider in her marriage. Jegede maintains a sense of gratitude for the experience despite their separation, viewing it as a phase from which she has grown.


Yvonne Jegede opens up about ending her marriage to Olakunle Fawole due to financial imbalance and reflects on choosing love over money in a candid interview.

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