My marriage… With Alhaji Suleiman Adegbenro

Alhaji Sulaiman Adegbenro, a prominent figure in Nigerian broadcasting, recently reflected on his nearly three-decade-long marriage to his wife during an interview. Born on August 13, 1962, in Agege, Lagos State, Adegbenro hails from a distinguished lineage. His father, Alhaji Abdul Adegbenro, served as the Seriki Musulumi of Agege Central Mosque, while his mother, Alhaja Mulikat Adegbenro, held the position of Iya Sunah at the same mosque. This religious background shaped much of Adegbenro's early life and career path. Adegbenro attended Ahmed Memorial Primary School in Okekoto, Agege, before proceeding to Ahmadiyya College, now known as Anwarul Islam Model College, in Oniwaya, Agege, for his secondary education. He later enrolled at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he earned dual degrees in Music. His journey into the entertainment industry began in 1981 when he appeared on Lagos Television as a teenage leader of a music group representing the Muslim Students Society. After completing his military service with the 1st Mechanised Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, he returned to broadcasting, creating a program called Music Workshop for NTA Channel 10 in Lagos. He later became a lecturer in the Department of Music at Osun State College of Education in Ilesa before returning to Lagos to launch the popular television show Consoligbadun with MITV in Ikeja. Since then, Adegbenro has continued to thrive in the media space, working with stations such as Faaji FM 106.5 in Lagos and 101.7 YES FM in Ibadan, where his programs air regularly. Adegbenro married his wife on April 8, 1995. They met during his time at the College of Education in Ilesa, and according to him, there were no obstacles to their union. He proposed to her in Lagos, where they both resided at the time, despite meeting in Ilesa. His wife's family welcomed him warmly, and the couple has since built a family together. They have two biological daughters and one son. However, due to the marriages of his daughters, Adegbenro considers their husbands as part of his extended family. Reflecting on their marital journey, Adegbenro described numerous joyful and memorable experiences. He believes the best is yet to come and expressed gratitude for the moments they have already shared. Adegbenro emphasized the importance of patience and mutual respect in maintaining a successful marriage. He acknowledged that conflicts may arise but stressed that open communication and trust are crucial in resolving differences. He advised couples to avoid letting suspicion or rumors harm their relationships and encouraged seeking professional help if needed. In response to the rising rate of divorce in Nigeria, Adegbenro noted the emotional toll of broken marriages. He attributed a significant portion of these separations to financial strain, urging couples to establish stable income sources before entering marriage. Beyond finances, he highlighted the need for internal conflict resolution and mutual support, advocating against public humiliation of partners seeking personal growth. Adegbenro's insights reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by modern couples, offering practical advice rooted in experience and faith. His perspective underscores the value of commitment, resilience, and compassion in sustaining long-term relationships.