Sola Allyson: Married but Joyless,Living Apart from Husband

Nigerian soul singer Sola Allyson, celebrated for hits like “Eji Owuro,” has candidly shared the harsh realities of her marriage, revealing she has never known its promised joy despite remaining legally wed. ​ In a recent Oyinmomo Podcast appearance, the 54-year-old artist explained that she and husband Toyin Obaniyi, married since 2003 and parents to three children, mutually chose separate residences after prolonged difficulties. ​ “Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it,” she stated, emphasizing the arrangement stems from necessity, not hostility. ​

Allyson rejects traditional notions of cohabitation, viewing their setup as a balanced partnership free from outdated expectations. ​ She critiques phrases like “in my husband’s house,” arguing they foster male ownership, and advocates for women’s autonomy akin to men’s. ​ “My husband and I married each other; we are in one another’s life,” she clarified, attributing unrealistic marital ideals to prior generations who portrayed everlasting bliss. ​ Despite the strains, she insists on mutual respect as non-negotiable, vowing full commitment absent maltreatment. ​

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Beyond personal life, Allyson addressed career misconceptions, firmly denying she is a gospel artist despite her soulful, spiritual sound often linked to religious events. ​ “I don’t sing religious songs. My name is Sola Allyson. I am a singer,” she asserted, explaining Jesus requires no overt promotion in lyrics. ​ This stance echoes past controversies, including backlash from Christian and Muslim netizens over collaborations like with actor Lateef Adedimeji. ​

Her disclosures have fueled online discourse, with fans praising her wisdom on relationships and feminism while others decry her music identity. ​ Supporters hailed her self-awareness, with one noting, “She is so full of wisdom… It’s just a way of saying that they are married as it should be.” ​ Critics, however, labeled her views as evasive on faith, amplifying talks on marital authenticity and artistic freedom in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.