Veteran Nollywood actress Morenike Sulaimon, also known as Mama Ereko, has shared her story of emotional pain during her marriage to her late husband.
Mama Ereko began acting in 1982 but took a break before returning to the industry in 1994. Since then, she has acted in and produced many popular movies, including *Ebun*, *Bimbo Osin*, and *Ajulo*.
Now 79 years old, Mama Ereko opened up about her marriage struggles in a recent interview on Talk2Dunnis TV (posted on YouTube last Saturday). She explained that her husband’s infidelity caused her deep pain while they were together.
Here’s her story in her own words:
“My children were still young when their father died. I faced many hardships in my marriage.
Sometimes, my husband would send me out on errands just so he could bring another woman into our home. When I returned, I’d find her there. But I thank God for giving me strength through it all.
One of his mistresses was especially bold—she’d even sleep in our house! I was always hurt, but I couldn’t confront her or my husband because I was afraid of him.”
Why She Never Remarried
Mama Ereko also shared that she chose not to remarry after her husband’s death.
She wanted to focus on raising her children and protecting her health and appearance. She believes the stress of marriage—and intimacy with men—ages women faster.
“If I had remarried, people wouldn’t praise me today for looking so good at my age.
Staying away from the stress of marriage helped me stay youthful. Honestly, I don’t even miss being with a man anymore—I’ve forgotten what it feels like!”
Her Tough Journey in Nollywood
Mama Ereko also talked about her career struggles, especially with movie marketers who cheated her out of money. She produced ten movies but barely earned any profit because marketers refused to pay her fairly.
“I kept using my own money to fund new projects because marketers wouldn’t pay me. Things only improved when I met AbdulRazaq of Corporate Pictures.
He treated me honestly, paid me well, and even encouraged me to keep creating. Thanks to him, I finally made a profit and could produce more films.”
Writing Scripts and Health Struggles
Mama Ereko used to write her own movie scripts with help from one of her children. However, she now deals with constant headaches, so she hires others to handle the writing.
On Sex-for-Roles in Nollywood
When asked about the “sex-for-roles” issue in the industry (where women are pressured to sleep with producers for acting jobs),
Mama Ereko said she was never targeted. “I started producing my own movies early, so people came to *me* for roles. I didn’t have to answer to anyone else.”
Upcoming Projects and Advice for New Actors
Mama Ereko has two new movies ready for release. One stars popular actors Lateef Adedimeji, his wife, and Kolawole Ajeyemi.
The other features Lateef Adedimeji and Odunlade Adekola. She proudly added, “I don’t make low-budget films!”
For aspiring actors, her advice is simple: “Start producing your own movies as soon as you can. Be patient, work hard, and never give up—success doesn’t come easy.”
**Final Note**
Mama Ereko’s story highlights her strength in overcoming personal and professional challenges. From surviving a painful marriage to building a successful career on her own terms, she remains a respected figure in Nollywood. Her journey reminds us that resilience and self-belief can lead to lasting success.
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