Like characters in a reality TV series, media personality, Toke Makinwa, and husband, Maje Ayida, can’t stay out of the news to save their lives. The pair, who got married in 2014 after 12 years of dating, separated in June this year over allegations of infidelity. That was not the first time they would walk away from each other. They were, however, spotted together again on Sunday at two events in Lagos.
It is a full time job keeping up with the Ayidas.
The 2013 break up
The ugly side of Maje and Toke’s relationship drama began to play out in public on December 4, 2013, when the pair broke up for the umpteenth time. Both parties posted cryptic “I don’t care” messages on social media telling the world know it was finally over.
“I am not under any pressure to get married. It’s the society that puts pressure on women not minding that divorce rates are high. I was once in a long term relationship with Maje Ayida and it has come to an end. I think it’s unfair for me to speak about our relationship because he is not here to defend himself. He is an amazing guy but it was not meant to be. It’s strange being single again but I am taking it one step after the other. One of the mistakes I made in my last relationship is that we dated for a long time. They were amazing years but they were also 12 long years. When you are faithful to someone, know what you can tolerate. My Mr Right has to be God-fearing, who would not do certain things because he is God-fearing. He has to understand what I do and must not be selfish in any way,” Toke said in an interview with Punch.
The wedding
The pair shocked the internet on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 when Toke announced that she was married. Reports had it that the break up in December was a stunt to throw the media off their secret nuptials. The socialite released pictures of the private ceremony and apologised to fans that it was an impromptu affair.
The baby mama drama
Seventeen months after, precisely on June 14, 2015, news broke that Maje Ayida had impregnated a long time girlfriend named Anita Solomon. The two were said to have been secret lovers for eight years. Busybodies took sides with some bashing Maje for being a cheat and others condemning Toke for the inability to keep her man.
Toke’s response to the matter
Toke, who uses her vlog to talk to women about relationship troubles, had very little to say about her own. On June 16, the OAP managed to confront her demons in the simplest way possible.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: “The amount of emails I have received from women across the world going through difficult situations is heartbreaking. (Thank you all for sharing). In a world where the popular belief out there is that women hate each other, women can’t stand each other, etc. I have gotten emails/calls from women sharing their own personal pain and that is courageous. I can’t reply everyone, (even though I honestly wish I could.)It is funny how God uses even the most unbelievable things to bless you. I have been given a voice, a platform, (I don’t even know how it’s all happened) but I woke up one day and I found God and with that came purpose”.
In an attempt to give strength to herself and every woman out there, she wrote “It’s never about you, as hard as it seems, sometimes you go through things not for you but for the people around you who need direction, a word of prayer or more. May God heal every broken heart out there, may his light give you the courage to begin to love yourself. It is tough being a woman, the pressure is real. You don’t have to be a victim; you can rise above it all. Do not let society tell you otherwise. Be Bold, Be Strong. Trust God’s purpose for your life and keep shinning.”
The apology from Maje Ayida
After fans had had their say on the issue, July 27, 2015 saw Maje taking to Instagram to apologise.
He shared a photo of his wife and wrote: “I am writing to express my sincerest apologies to my wife. I was wrong, it is indefensible and I am sorry. I deeply regret what my wife and my family have had to endure. My behaviour has caused a lot of anguish to everyone. Though this matter has been very public in nature, it is a private issue and I would appreciate the opportunity to face it privately. I love my wife and will make every effort to make things right cc @tokemakinwa”.
Toke’s ‘wait and see’ comment
Toke told HipTV in August: “You guys just wait and see, and watch and see. There is nothing to say. That part of my life is not open for discussion.”
Prelude to a re-union?
While fans patiently waited, Maje penned a romantic message t Toke on her birthday, November 3, reminiscing about their days together. In reply, Toke posted a heart emoji in the comment box. This little heart gave fans assurance they were definitely getting back together.
Possible re-union?
Although nothing is written in stones yet, Toke and Maje may finally be back together. On Sunday, December 6, the two were spotted at two events together.
Lovers of happy endings have begun praying for a lasting re-union with comments like “Tell me you guys are back together” and “Thank God”.
