Veteran Nigerian actor and comedian Afeez Oyetoro, widely known as Saka, has revealed why he chose to get married later in life, at the age of 40.
During a recent appearance on WithChude, the 61-year-old actor reflected on his earlier years, explaining that low self-esteem and financial hardship were the main reasons for the delay.
“I lacked confidence. It took me a long time to approach women. My late marriage was due to two main reasons—my career and my personal limitations,” he said.
Saka explained that his journey into theatre was driven purely by passion rather than a clear plan for financial success. According to him, many in the field—including his mentors—never emphasized how to earn a living through acting, which left him ill-prepared for responsibilities like marriage.
“In theatre, especially back then, there was little or no money. Artists weren’t valued, and we didn’t learn how to make a career out of it financially. We were simply acting for the love of it,” he said.
He also shared how his lack of financial stability impacted his romantic relationships. He recalled a woman he had considered marrying, who eventually dismissed his lifestyle as unpromising.
“After I graduated, I had no car or anything substantial. Whenever I approached a lady, she’d see no future in me. One of them even told me I was wasting my life in theatre and advised me to pursue something more meaningful,” he said.
He further revealed that a woman he once planned to marry insisted he must own two cars before they could settle down. “At that point, something in me said, ‘Afeez, this isn’t your wife,’ and I ended the relationship,” he added. “I didn’t marry until I was in college.”
Oyetoro, who holds degrees in Theatre Arts from both Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan, eventually married Olaide Oyetoro in 2003. They have three children together.
Today, Saka is celebrated as one of Nollywood’s most cherished comic actors, known for his unique humor and standout roles in both film and television.
