Popular media personality Toke Makinwa has dispelled rumors about her alleged secret marriage, using her 40th birthday thanksgiving celebration in Lagos to set the record straight. Speculation arose on social media after reports claimed that Toke had secretly married entertainment mogul Farouk Umar at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island.
The rumors gained momentum when a viral video showed the two sharing intimate moments, with Toke wearing a white dress and Farouk dressed in traditional buba and sokoto attire. However, Toke quickly clarified the situation during her party, explaining that Farouk is simply a close friend who has supported her during difficult times.
Addressing the guests and the rumors directly, Toke said, “On Obasanjo’s internet, they said I got married to this guy. This guy is my best friend. Listen, on Toke Makinwa’s internet, they said I married Farouk. Farouk, my friend, ore mi… this is my guy, my friend, my brother. Who wan marry you? Farouk held me down when there was nobody.”
Reflecting on her previous troubled marriage to Maje Ayida, which ended in divorce in 2017 due to infidelity, Toke expressed gratitude for the strength she gained from the experience. She opened up about how deeply the end of her marriage affected her, revealing that she once felt like she would not survive the ordeal.
“Jesus, you comforted me when my friends left me. Jesus, you saw me through a divorce. When I thought I was going to die, when I didn’t know if I was going to wake up the next day, somehow you held me together. Even when I showed a frail faith, you knew I was not frail. Somehow, you made me a tiger. You are the one that liveth. You are the one that will never fail,” she said.
Toke also took the opportunity to express appreciation for the friends who remained by her side during those challenging times. She acknowledged their support and expressed her gratitude, saying, “I thank God for all my friends here. I thank God that I am not looking out to look for you guys; I am looking up. I have not been the best of friends for you guys, but somehow, you see something, and I am grateful.”
By addressing the rumors directly, Toke aimed to clear up any misunderstandings while reflecting on her personal growth and journey through adversity.
