Adeniyi & Omolola Kufile Share On Their Over 11-Year Marriage, Parenting & More

Adeniyi Kufile, a top shot in a Manufacturing company, met his sweetheart, Omolola, a Corporate and Agency Sales Accounts Manager with Virgin Atlantic Airways, during her first year at the University, and they got married in 2005.

The lovely couple who are doting parents of three, share on their marriage, secrets to keeping it intact, parenting their kids and more.

MIM: What marriage philosophies do you live by?

Adeniyi: In it together till the very end.

Omolola: Never involve a third party, tell each other everything and God has to be the centre at all times.

MIM: Tell us a significant scuffle you had early in your marriage that you both laugh about today

Omolola: There was a time in our first year of marriage when he had told me were going for an event together. He later realised from talking to his friends (most of who were not married then) that they were going alone. He couldn’t tell me he had changed his mind and had decided to go alone, so he went about the house dropping annoying hints. I eventually got the message and became really upset with him. His friend later came to pick him and he left without me. I was so mad, I picked up my bag, jumped into my car and left the house as well (I definitely was not going to be home when he got back). Apparently he knew how angry I was and couldn’t go through with his plans. He changed his mind about going and came back home. Unfortunately, I had left home and was nowhere to be found. He called me a million times and sent messages but I refused to respond. I then showed up at home the next morning and refused to talk about it.

MIM: So, how do you reconcile rifts or differences now?

Omolola: We usually talk about it after we have calmed down. Sometimes, we break the ice by sending messages first before talking about it. There is of course the good old fashioned kissing and making up which is always the preferred option (smiles).

We have learnt along the way that marriage is about two different people learning to love each other more in spite of their differences, instead of trying to change each other.

MIM: What influences have the differences in your personalities had on your marriage and roles as parents?

Adeniyi: Being a patient individual has helped a lot with listening to the kids and guiding them. It’s also helped with having a great relationship with my wife.

Omolola: I’m very organised and like to be prepared for everything. I’m expressive and emotional, so you can always tell how I feel most times. I can also be a teeny weeny bit overbearing. Kenny (Adeniyi) on the other hand is more patient, easy going and is always the voice of reason. These have helped me build a good support system for my family and at the same time, run my home smoothly.

MIM: How much have you both evolved since you got married and became parents?

Adeniyi: The fact that I am responsible for my family has helped me curb my excesses. Now, it’s family first, self after.

MIM: As a couple, what modalities do you have in place to ensure meeting financial obligations promptly, especially those of your kids?

Adeniyi: Joint savings account and trust fund for the kids. It’s good for couples to have a joint account, especially for saving and planning for the future.

MIM: Any deliberate moves to keep your marriage intact?

Adeniyi: Definitely. We always make sure we work together as a team in spite of our different personalities. We are open, honest and very supportive of each other. We know that whatever the situation, we’ll always come out of it stronger and together.

MIM: Your core parenting values and why?

Omolola: Discipline, honesty, respect, fear of God, humility, courage and love. This is to enable them be better children and eventually adults who will impact their generation positively.

MIM: Challenges with enforcing discipline

Adeniyi: Having to apply tough love; you love your kids so much but still have to discipline them.

Omolola: Hmm, daddy is the main challenge in enforcing discipline. He is the good cop most of the time. I usually give him the ‘eye’ when I mean business and don’t want him to interfere. I rarely get to be the good cop, but sometimes, it’s necessary when I see he’s really upset.

MIM: Advice to intending couples

Adeniyi: Marry your best friend!

Omolola: They should always keep the lines of communication open, get to know each other better and never compare their relationship with another, as no two relationships are the same. Never involve a third party and if there’s a need for it, a professional counsellor is a better option.