Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is married to Capt. Mathew Ekeinde, a pilot and businessman. Together, they have four children; Princess, Matthew, Meraiah, and Michael. The couple have been married since 1996 and they celebrate their anniversary every 23rd of March.
Omotola gained fame and became a household name through her career as a model, actress, singer, and philanthropist. She has since also become popular for having one of the most successful celebrity marriages. With a fairytale wedding for a start and a marital life quite enviable and admirable to all, Omotola Jalade’s family is not something to look past when talking about Nollywood’s most loved celebrity families.
How Old Was Omotola When She Met Her Husband?
Omotola met her husband Mathew Ekeinde when she was 16 years old. It was in the year 1994 and at the time, Captain Matthew was 26 years old. They met at Solid Rock church in Iyana Ipaja after being introduced to each other by Captain Mathew’s elder sister. It was not love at first sight for the two, but Matthew liked her from the very start and wanted to get to know her.
Despite finding out that she was sixteen at the time, Matthew was still drawn to her but only decided to keep her as a friend. When the actress turned eighteen, he did not hesitate to propose marriage to her. Young Omotola had hesitated at first and reluctantly asked him to meet her parents unknowing to her that the captain already knew so much about her and had met her parents on one occasion.
At the time of his proposal, Omotola had just gained admission into the University of Ife. Her parents had wanted her to finish school first before marriage, but the captain didn’t want to wait; apparently, he was scared he would lose her. They later accepted and the two tied the knot. She was indeed ready for the marriage, as she had begun to earn money for herself and her family at the age of 15.
Omotola Jalade’s Marriage Has Lasted For 28 Years
It may interest you to know that Omotola and Mattew Ekeinde actually got married in 1996, but later had their dream wedding in 2001. Their wedding; a talk of the town, took place in a flying aircraft – Dash 7 aircraft – on route to Benin from Lagos. It was graced by close family members and a couple of friends on board.
The wedding remained on the agenda of the media for a long time, as it was the first time ever a couple exchanged nuptial vows during a flight. Omotola and her husband are among the most admired celebrity couples in the entertainment industry. With their marriage spanning 28 years, the power couple has become a model to their counterparts and to the general public as well.
It goes without saying that marriage has had its ups and downs and has attracted a couple of controversies for different reasons. It is true; Omotola Jalade’s family came under public scrutiny sometime in the past after the actress said in an interview that her husband Captain Matthew goes to the market for her because of her famed status.
Also in 2021, there were rumors making the rounds that the A-list actress was in a secret relationship with politician Adams Oshiomole. But Omotola proved her innocence to the public as she debunked the rumors to be completely false and baseless. But despite all these attacks, the couple lives in total respect and love for each other.
Omotola’s Husband Matthew Ekeinde
Omotola’s husband, Captain Matthew, is from Sabongida Ora in Edo. Born on March 23, 1968, he spent some of his childhood years in the east due to his father’s job as a law enforcement officer with the police. For him, becoming a pilot has been a childhood dream. He held on to his dream and didn’t hesitate to go for it when he had the chance.
After completing his secondary school, Matthew proceeded to Aviation School and the rest was history. As a professional pilot, he has risen through different ranks and is now on the rank of Captain, which means the senior pilot in charge of an aircraft. Captain Ekeinde has worked with different airlines, including Arik Air, Air Nigeria, Aero Contractors, Bristow Helicopters, and many more.
Meet Omotola Jalade’s Children with Husband Matthew Ekeinde
In their 28 years of conjugal bliss, the couple has been blessed with four children. They are Princess Ekeinde, Matthew Ekeinde Jnr (Captain E), Meraiah Ekeinde, and Michael Ekeinde. Omotola Jalade’s family has remained in the spotlight for all the right reasons, especially as many younger couples look up to her marriage.
Princess Ekeinde
- Full Name: Princess Ekeinde
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: March 30, 1997
- Age: 27 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Marital Status: Single
Princess Ekeinde is the first daughter of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. She was born on March 30, 1997, and is currently 27 years old. She was the little bride during her parent’s historic wedding ceremony in 2001. Princess attended Eastern Mediterranean University Cyprus and studied Hospitality and Tourism.
She further enrolled for her Master’s Degree at Middlesex University, Dubai, where she majored in International Tourism Management. Princess graduated from Middlesex University on 23rd March 2022. It was a triple celebration as her graduation ceremony coincided with her parent’s 26 wedding anniversary as well as her father’s 54th birthday.
Her mother couldn’t help but share her excitement on such a day with triple blessings as she described it via her Instagram page. Princess has good culinary skills and has always loved cooking. This could probably be why she chose to study Hospitality and Tourism Management.
She has featured in some popular Nigerian cooking TV shows where she displayed her exceptional cooking skills. She plans on airing her own cooking show where she can showcase her talents and share her favorite recipes with her fans. On her 22nd birthday, in 2019, her parents gifted her a brand new car.
Matthew Ekeinde Jr (Captain E)
- Full Name: Matthew Ekeinde Jr.
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: August 20, 1998
- Age: 25 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Marital Status: Single
Matthew Ekeinde Jr. born on August 20, 1998, is her first son and second child. He is currently 25 years old. Just like his elder sister Princess, Jnr is also a graduate of Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus. He graduated in 2019.
Matthew Ekeinde Jnr is an aspiring artist and musician. He is a music producer, artist, DJ, sound analyst, and engineer. He has produced tracks such as Fantasy Paradise, Move It, Waiting, Without You, and more. Also, in his years of becoming a music producer, he has also worked with his mother in the studio.
Meraiah Ekeinde
- Full Name: Meraiah Ekeinde
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: February 7, 2000
- Age: 24 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Marital Status: Single
Meraiah was born on February 7, 2000. She is the third child in the family. With a keen interest in fashion designing and modeling, she is seen as the fashionista in the family. She attended Chrisland College in Lagos and was the head student. She later proceeded to the United States in pursuit of her tertiary education. Meraiah studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. She shares the same birth date with her mother.
Michael Ekeinde
- Full Name: Michael Ekeinde
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: 2002
- Age: 22 years old
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Marital Status: Single
The last child of the family, Michael, was born in 2002 and is currently 22 years old. His mother refers to him as the baby of the house. Michael seemed to be the only child in his family who decided to follow in his mum’s footsteps to pursue a career in the movie industry. In an interview, Michael revealed he would love to be a cinematographer and movie director.