Ayo Mogaji: Why women over 35 should get pregnant outside wedlock

Binta Ayo Mogaji, the ace Nigerian film star, has advised women above 35 to get pregnant outside wedlock.

The 60-year-old actress shared her thoughts on marriage, motherhood, and societal pressures in a recent interview with Oyinmomo TV.

Mogaji, who welcomed her first child at 40, encouraged unmarried women over 35 to consider having children outside of wedlock if they desire motherhood.

“What I’m saying is, once you’re 35 or older and you don’t have a husband, but there’s someone in your life who is with you but not ready for marriage, and he wants a child, have a child with him, even if he won’t accept responsibility for the child,” she advised.

The actress drew from her own experiences, having faced societal pressures and eventually marrying Victor Oduleye, a UK-based physiotherapist, in 2006. She said she endured 13 years of abuse before the marriage ended.

Mogaji emphasized that women should prioritize motherhood over societal expectations. She also encouraged women to consider adoption if they cannot find a partner.

“When she is looking for a husband at 35, they’ll say she’s too old and won’t be able to wash clothes for her mother-in-law or be controlled,” the actress said.

“They’ll advise the man to find a younger lady to listen to him. Even if she’s fortunate to marry at that age, she’ll already be old when her child grows up. Some people at 45 or 50 are already grandmothers.

“When your mates are grandmothers, and you’re still saying you’re looking for a husband, when will you find a husband and become a grandmother?

“So, my advice is, if God blesses you with someone who likes you and you can have children together, go ahead and do it.

“If you find someone you like, ask him to impregnate you as long as you want a child and can take care of the child. But if you want a child and cannot find a man to impregnate you, then consider adoption.”