Nollywood Actress Arike Shares How She Dealt With Male Suitors and the Surprising Advice She Got

Nollywood actress Aderonke Ayodele, popularly known as Arike, has opened up about her unique way of handling male admirers during her early years in the movie industry—and the unexpected counsel she later received from her mentor’s wife.

In an interview shared on Feel Right News TV’s YouTube page on September 23, 2025, Arike revealed that whenever a man expressed interest in dating her, she would claim to be in a relationship with veteran actor Lekan Olatunji. According to her, the strategy helped ward off persistent suitors at a time when she was new to Nollywood and attracting a lot of attention.

Speaking highly of Olatunji, Arike described him as a true mentor who not only guided her acting career but also shaped her personal growth. She said he often calmed her fiery temper, encouraged patience, and advised her against getting involved with fellow actors who might not have good intentions.

“He always reminded me that no one is forced to date in the industry; it’s a personal choice,” Arike said.


Taking his advice to heart, she resolved not to date anyone in Nollywood and often used his name as a shield against unwanted advances.

However, she later received a word of advice from Olatunji’s wife, who encouraged her to take a different approach. According to Arike, the wife gently told her to stop hiding behind her husband’s name and instead learn to boldly reject suitors on her own terms.