Following the recent separation of Nollywood actress Bukola Awoyemi, known as Bukola Arugba, and her partner Damola Olatunji, there has been speculation about their relationship and the absence of a formal marriage. It is important to approach these matters with sensitivity and respect for all parties involved.
Bukola Arugba has been accused of being involved with Damola Olatunji, another Nollywood actor, while he was still legally married to Raliat Abiodun-Olatunji. It is worth noting that Bukola Arugba has not publicly addressed the pain and difficulties she may have caused Raliat Abiodun-Olatunji. The situation involves the dissolution of Raliat’s marriage and the subsequent involvement of Bukola Arugba with Damola Olatunji.
Damola Olatunji and Raliat were legally married at the Ikoyi registry on April 8, 2013, followed by a traditional wedding ceremony. However, their marriage faced challenges and ultimately ended before reaching its first anniversary in 2014. During this time, Raliat, who was residing in the United Kingdom, made allegations of infidelity.
Raliat Abiodun Sobowale, known affectionately as Rally by her friends, has publicly exposed the love affair between Damola Olatunji and actress Bukky Awoyemi, also known as Arugba. It is important to remember that relationships are complex, and it is crucial to approach such situations with empathy and understanding for all parties involved.
In 2014, Bukola Arugba and Damola Olatunji made headlines as rumors circulated about their alleged romantic involvement while Damola was still married to Raliat. Raliat, who had returned to the United Kingdom after their wedding to assist with her husband’s visa process, initially found it hard to believe the reports of the affair between Damola and Bukola.
However, upon Raliat’s uninformed return to their Lagos home in Ajao Estate, she was devastated to discover that Bukola Arugba had seemingly taken over her husband and even became pregnant with his child. Distraught, Raliat attempted to contact Damola, but his phone was switched off. Days passed without any sign of him, and when Raliat inquired with neighbors, she learned about Bukola Arugba’s presence in her home.
Despite Damola’s denial and dismissal of the rumors as false, the marriage between him and Raliat eventually fell apart. On January 3, 2015, Bukola Arugba gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl. Bukola’s late mother, a devout Christian, insisted on a modest introduction ceremony to gradually formalize their relationship.
To this day, Damola’s first wife has not agreed to a divorce, and it is reported that Raliat has moved on and is now dating a wealthy Nigerian who owns a record label in Lagos.
Although Bukola and Damola continued their relationship without getting legally married, their recent statement, issued on May 30, 2023, confirms the end of their partnership. The statement, issued by Bukola’s lawyer, clarifies that they were never married and that they have separated amicably, with a shared commitment to ensuring the well-being and welfare of their twins.