Veteran Nollywood actress, Morenike Alausa, well known as Mama Ereko has opened up on why she refused to remarry after her husband died. In a candid interview, Mama Ereko shared her personal reasons behind her decision to stay single after the passing of her spouse. Her response sheds light on a deeply personal choice that many may find surprising, especially considering societal expectations surrounding widows and remarriage.
According to Mama Ereko, she made the decision not to marry again in order to maintain her looks and avoid a form of stress that would age her prematurely. She explained that the pressures of married life, including the emotional and physical demands, could have negatively impacted her health and appearance. In her view, remaining single allowed her to focus more on herself and preserve her youthfulness, something she considers very important.
While speaking on Talk2Dunnis TV’s official YouTube channel, Mama Ereko disclosed that staying single has helped her maintain her beauty and elegance despite her age. She elaborated on the idea that many women experience the physical toll of marriage, and by choosing not to remarry, she was able to protect herself from unnecessary stress. The actress, who is well-loved for her captivating presence both on and off-screen, emphasized that she believes her decision to remain unattached has contributed to her radiant and timeless appearance.
She opined that intimacies in marriage and stress make women age faster than their actual age. According to Mama Ereko, the emotional and physical strain from marital responsibilities, including intimacy, can cause women to look older than they actually are. She argued that relationships, especially the demands associated with them, can significantly affect a woman's appearance and overall well-being, which led her to conclude that it was better to avoid such pressures for the sake of her health and vitality.
“If I had remarried, you wouldn’t be praising me for still looking elegant and beautiful at my age. I didn’t remarry because the stress of having intercourse makes you look older than your age,” she said. This statement gives a glimpse into her mindset on the role of stress in aging, suggesting that personal choices and the avoidance of certain life pressures could lead to a more youthful appearance and healthier lifestyle.
Mama Ereko revealed further that she has become more independent, stating that she no longer sees the need for a man in her life. She expressed that, over time, she has grown more self-sufficient and confident in her abilities to live a fulfilling life without the need for a romantic partner. She remarked that her independence has helped her to focus on her own goals and well-being without being tied down by the responsibilities and expectations that often come with marriage.
“I’m already a man, so I don’t need a man again because I don’t even remember how it feels to have intercourse with a man,” she added. This bold statement underscored her complete satisfaction with her life as it is, showing that she feels no need to seek a relationship for fulfillment. Instead, Mama Ereko has embraced a life of personal growth and independence, demonstrating that a woman can thrive without a partner and still maintain her sense of beauty, dignity, and self-worth.
Her remarks have sparked conversations on societal expectations surrounding widows and the idea of remarriage, particularly in African culture. Mama Ereko's perspective challenges conventional views and encourages others to think critically about the pressures women face and how they can assert control over their own destinies. She is clearly someone who has made peace with her choices, and it’s evident that she values her peace of mind and well-being above all else.