Nollywood actress Irewole Olaniyan has publicly addressed allegations that she was romantically involved with a married man for nearly three years.
The claims surfaced after Mary Edris, who identified herself as the man’s wife, accused the actress in a lengthy social media post of carrying on an affair with her husband. Mary stated she had previously contacted Irewole privately to confront her about the alleged relationship.
According to Mary, the actress initially denied knowing the man was married, described him as “not her type,” used strong language about him, and claimed she had blocked him. Mary maintained, however, that the relationship continued. She further alleged that her husband financially supported Irewole’s movie projects, funded trips, bought her expensive bags, and sponsored aspects of her lifestyle.
In her response, Irewole admitted she had been involved with the man but insisted she ended the relationship as soon as she discovered he was married. She said they only went on a few dates before she learned of his marital status.
The actress explained that a video posted by one of the restaurants they visited during those dates later became part of the public controversy. She maintained she had not been hiding the outings because she was unaware the man was married at the time.
Irewole stated that she informed Mary of this when the wife reached out, apologised, and made clear she had already left the relationship. According to the actress, Mary accepted the apology even while disputing that no formal relationship had existed.
Irewole added that the man continued to contact her afterwards, and she believes this is what prompted Mary to take the matter public. She also claimed Mary had repeatedly messaged her with threats to tarnish her image because of her public profile, sometimes linking the actress’s lifestyle and restaurant outings with other men to the allegations.
In her statement, Irewole said:
“I am not with this man, and I haven’t been with him since I found out he was married… I genuinely didn’t know he was married, and I’d never even gone on a date with him if I knew.”
She emphasised that she only responded publicly because she felt the post was made for attention and targeted her, insisting she has no interest in the man and does not need him.
The matter remains a he-said-she-said dispute between the parties involved, with no independent verification of the financial or relationship claims presented so far.
