Veteran Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle has explained why she chose not to speak publicly about her divorce from Patrick Doyle, making it clear that the decision was intentional.
Speaking on The Morayo Show hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Ireti said she never felt the need to explain the situation to the public.
“First of all, you did not hear anything because it was none of your business,” she said. “Two people come together and decide to get married… if something goes wrong and you can no longer continue, the only people you owe any explanation to are family and friends who were there from the beginning.”
She added that the wider public audience is not entitled to personal details, noting that most people are not genuinely invested beyond surface reactions.
“You see, this larger audience that you are performing for, they do not care,” she said.
Ireti also addressed the growing culture of sharing personal struggles online, saying she deliberately avoids putting her private life on public display or seeking attention.
“And God forbid I knowingly give myself up for clickbait. Why are you bleeding all over the internet? You are not going to win,” she said.
While acknowledging that the end of any relationship is painful, she encouraged people to focus on self-reflection instead of seeking validation online.
“Sit down and understand what went wrong, for the sole purpose of not making the same mistakes again,” she added.
Her ex-husband, Patrick Doyle, has also spoken about their separation in the past, maintaining respect for her while noting that their marriage had ended long before it became public. He also said he has no issue with her continuing to use his surname.
The former couple, who got married in 2004, finalised their divorce in early 2023 after years of separation. Despite the split, both have remained active in Nollywood and continue to command respect for their long-standing careers.
Morayo : Let’s talk about your marriage , the divorce , when the divorce happened with your ex , you were both quiet, we didn’t hear from both of you , you didn’t tel us anything , what would you say that experience has taught you or formed who you become today?
Ireti Doyle :… pic.twitter.com/g0t1Nns89Y
— ‘Mide (@LookingForMide) March 24, 2026
