•Wife, AYOBOLA Opens Up To City People.
Ayobola is the pretty wife of Lagos King of Boys, Shina Peller. Their marriage is 13 years and still counting. Ayobola is not as popular as her husband because she prefers to work behind the curtain, but there is no doubt, that when you see them together at events, you will turn to catch a glimpse of them. They are one celebrity couple we can’t help but admire.
Ayobola is an Auditor who shuttles between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. But despite the distance between the couple, she has been able to constantly manage her husbands social life.
Just last year ,Ayobola celebrated her 40th birthday in London and her husband flew in from Las Vegas to celebrate it with her.
Also, last year, they both bagged a chieftaincy title each from Oba Igbobi Sabe in Yaba and they made heads turn as they dazzled all day.
Ayobola was sighted last week with her husband at the 11th edition of Sisi Oge Awards. She came with her daugher, Naomi and her mother-in-law, Alhaja Silifat Peller.
City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, had an exclusive interview with her on her life and her marriage.
How is it like seeing your daughter doing music?
Well, I believe we should support our children in whatever they do as much as it won’t affect their education.
Who are your parents?
My dad was one of the Directors at NNPC while my mum is a Professor. So, education is very important to them. My mum is the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin. So, growing up, education was paramount for my parents. They made sure, we had the best education money can buy.
As parents, we must encourage our children and make them realise their purpose in life. Education is important and we must all be literate but we must also allow our children follow their passion, you should also follow your passion. It is easier to make sacrifice with your passion. So, I encourage my daughter to also follow her passion and also be the best in her academic.
Mothers are the closest to their daughters, how was it like convincing your husband to allow Naomi do music?
Well, for our family, we are always on the same page. So, it is not like I am supporting and he is not. It is not about convincing. It was a joint family decision. Naomi has always been singing and recording, but to produce and be in the limelight, we ensure she is on the right path with her grade. We make sure she does very well at school.
And to the glory of God, she is doing very well at school. She did common entrance exams and came out in flying colours.
She was in their school Newsletter as one of the best, so we are very impressed. So, we gave her our word and she has played her part.
Your husband owns one of the biggest night clubs, what do you do?
Thank you for asking, I am an Auditor. I studied Accounting. I am a Chartered Accountant. So, I am an Audit Manager and a Chartered Accountant. I studied Accounting as my first degree and I had my second degree as well. I am more of an educationalist because of my background.
Who is your mum?
She is a professor (Mrs) and she is Deputy Vice Chancellor of Unilorin.
How did you meet your husband? How long have you been married?
We have been married for over a decade. We got married in 2005.
What has sustained your marriage for 13 years?
Like I told you, we are friends. It is love, friendship and understanding. I will say friendship has made my marriage work more.
How best can you describe your husband?
My husband is a hardworker. He is a very caring, supportive, loving husband. You can hardly find faults in him. He loves his family, friends and members of his staff. You can’t complain if he is around you.
Your husband used to close his club during Ramadan, how religious is he?
Oh! You have switched the interview and put me on hot seat. He is very religion. He loves his Islamic faith. No matter how busy he is, he never misses Mosque on Fridays. He will travel yearly for Umurah and perform his Hadji.
You have a lovely skin, what is the secret?
Well, maybe it is the weather in United Kingdom. I stay often in United Kingdom.
How is it like being married to a man like Shina Peller?
Well, when you are married to your friend, it becomes easier. Our foundation is love, but friendship has brought us far. You can never find fault in a friend, whom you love. Marriage is not a bed of roses but with my husband, our relationship is like a brother, sister relationship. We shift in between. So far, so good, I have enjoyed every moment of it. Though, it is not easy being married and staying strong, but my husband has made the journey fun-filled.
You seem to be very cool?
Well, every woman should be cool. I am just reserved as a mother.
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