My Ex-Wife Leveraging on My Popularity, Says Patrick Doyle on Surname
Veteran Nollywood actor and broadcaster Patrick Doyle has stirred conversation on social media and in entertainment circles following a bold statement about his ex-wife, actress Ireti Doyle, and her continued use of his surname after their divorce. In his own words, Patrick remarked, “My ex-wife still uses my surname because, let’s be honest, I’m the reason it’s popular.”
The statement, which surfaced during a recent media appearance, has sparked a fresh round of debate about name identity, brand ownership, and the nuances of post-divorce relationships in the public eye.
Patrick and Ireti Doyle were once seen as one of Nollywood’s most respected power couples, having spent nearly two decades together before confirming their divorce in January 2023.
Their union produced children and a legacy of collaboration, mutual support, and enduring admiration—even beyond their separation.
Ireti, a respected actress, producer, and media personality, had adopted the “Doyle” surname professionally for decades. In response to public curiosity about why she retained it after their split, she addressed the matter in a 2023 social media post, stating:
“Ireti Doyle is a name that’s nearly 30 years in the making. It is mine. Professionally, personally, and in every sense that matters.”
Her message suggested that her identity as “Ireti Doyle” had long evolved beyond marriage, becoming a professional brand known across Nigeria and beyond.
While Patrick’s comment may have been partly tongue-in-cheek, it reflects a long-standing conversation about the role of men in shaping public identities in patriarchal societies—especially when it comes to name recognition. In the same interview, he acknowledged the evolution of their relationship and maintained a generally respectful tone.
This isn’t the first time Patrick has spoken warmly of Ireti since their separation. In August 2024, he described her as a “first-class mother” and praised her dedication and strength as a provider for their children, calling her “an exceptional woman.”
Following their split, Patrick has since moved on with his life and remarried. In March 2023, he held a quiet court wedding with Olufunmilayo “Funmilayo” Doyle (née Iyanda), followed by a traditional ceremony in December of the same year. He referred to his new wife as “the joy of my life,” signaling a fresh chapter of emotional stability and companionship.
Despite the new developments in both their lives, Patrick and Ireti appear to have preserved a cordial, respectful relationship—at least in public. Their maturity and mutual regard have been commended by fans who see them as examples of how high-profile separations can be handled with grace.
Patrick’s latest statement has reignited public discussion about surname ownership, identity, and branding, especially in the entertainment industry. While some supporters agree with his assertion, others have countered that Ireti Doyle’s work, reputation, and decades-long career have given her name independent value, regardless of its origin.
In Nigerian society, it is not uncommon for divorced women—particularly public figures—to retain their ex-husband’s surname for professional continuity. For many, it is a decision rooted less in sentiment and more in career longevity and brand consistency.
Though Patrick Doyle’s remarks have raised eyebrows, they also highlight the complex relationship between marriage, fame, and personal identity. Whether one agrees or not with his perspective, what remains clear is that both Patrick and Ireti Doyle have built impactful legacies—individually and collectively—within Nigeria’s creative industry.
As Nollywood evolves and more women assert ownership over their names and careers, this conversation is likely to continue—both on and off the screen.
