Lala Akindoju questions practice of changing names after marriage

• Lala Akindoju, has voiced her perspective on the custom of women adopting their husbands’ surnames after marriage.
• Taking to her X account, the actress and movie producer expressed that women should not feel obligated to take their husband’s surname, noting that this practice lacks scriptural basis.
• Lala Akindoju suggested a more modern approach, emphasising the importance of choice and individual identity for women.

Award-winning Nollywood actress, Lala Akindoju has shared her take on the tradition of women changing their surnames after marriage.

According to the movie producer, women shouldn’t feel forced to take their husband’s surname.

Akindoju shared her opinion on her X handle, arguing that the practice lacks scriptural backing and instead suggests merging surnames.

She pointed out that this tradition comes from old-fashioned ideas and that keeping a maiden name can be important for a woman’s identity.

The actress also encouraged couples to talk openly about what’s best for them without feeling pressured by others. In Lala Akindoju’s words:

“Honestly, if we really want to follow ‘2 shall become 1,’ the couple should merge both surnames. I still question the children automatically coming from the man’s state of origin, his surname, and the fact that the man “owns” the child. The whole thing messes with my head so much.

“Yet it’s the woman who physically goes through a life transforming process to birth the children.

“Yet, she’s relegated. I may not have the answers, but it troubles my entire being and I am yet to find the scripture that says the woman must take the man’s name.

“Scripture actually says the man cleaves to the woman (but what do I know). Most importantly, a woman should be allowed to choose.

“Whether she wants to change her name or not or compound it. It’s sha somehow that boys are never raised to think their identity will change.

“But just because of a woman’s gender, she’s raised/socialized to know that she shouldn’t get too comfortable with a name and identity she’s known all her life. I don’t have the answers, but I strongly question this practice.”

Akindoju married Nigerian Chef, Gbubemi Fregene, popularly known as Chef Fregz, in September 2018 and they welcomed a son in February 2021.

She started her acting career in 2005 with stage performance before venturing into feature films. She has won an avalanche of awards for her craft.