Actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has shut down rumours suggesting she suffered domestic violence in her marriage to her estranged husband, Oluwaseyi Akinrinde.

The 42-year-old confirmed on Instagram on June 3 that the couple had been separated since April 2024 and are now focused on co-parenting their son peacefully and maturely.

While the news surprised many, Biola apologised to fans who may be disappointed, noting that although she wished her marriage had worked out, choosing peace and staying alive was more important.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone who is disappointed. I wish my marriage worked but it’s better to leave than to live in bitterness and regrets. It’s better to stay alive for my child and myself,” she wrote.

She further revealed the emotional toll the last year took on her, despite her efforts to maintain a happy face online.

“You all know I don’t bring my private life to social media, but because I don’t want rumours or false narrative out there, I have to speak up. Almost every night for the past 14 months, I cried myself to sleep,” she said.

In an updated version of her post, Biola firmly denied claims that violence played any role in their separation.

“My ex-husband, Seyi, has never laid a finger on me and I never did as well. We never ever had any physical abuse or v!olent issue from either of us. Let us learn to be kind to people. You have no idea what others are going through until they say it,” she wrote.

The separation comes less than two years after they welcomed their son in April 2023 through surrogacy.

Biola, who became a first-time mum in her 40s, previously opened up about her long and painful journey to motherhood, including a failed IVF, a cancelled surrogate cycle and three failed surrogate attempts within two years.

Despite the emotional challenges, she ended her statement on a hopeful note, urging the public to keep both her and her ex-husband in their prayers.