Renowned Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa, recently shared insights on why she remains steadfast in retaining her maiden’s name even within the context of marriage. Speaking candidly on her podcast, Toke emphasized the significance of her name as a brand she has painstakingly built over the years.

Toke, who had previously been married but experienced a divorce attributed to an alleged infidelity, disclosed that maintaining her surname during her marriage proved to be a practical decision. She revealed that her ex-husband referred to her as Mrs Ayida at home, but she retained her Toke Makinwa identity professionally.

Reflecting on her experience, Toke expressed relief at not having to navigate the complexities of a name reversal during the divorce proceedings. She stated, "I kept my last name when I got married. It was supposed to be Toke Makinwa-Ayida, but only at home did he call me Mrs. Ayida." This choice, she explained, facilitated a smoother transition during the challenging period of separation.

Looking ahead, Toke expressed her desire for a future partner who would appreciate and support her decision to keep her name. She clarified that she prefers not to hyphenate her surname but is open to her children bearing their father's last name.

In recounting her past marriage, Toke highlighted that her bank details, passport, and other official documents remained unchanged. This decision spared her the potential complications of altering such details post-divorce. Toke emphasized the personal investment she has made in building the brand "Toke Makinwa" through her hard work and dedication.