The Omotoyossis
Actress, Bose Alao, has been married
to Nigerian-born Beninoise footballer, Rasaq Omotoyossi, for eight
years. They open up on their love story below:
How did you meet your wife?
Rasaq: I met her for
the first time on June 19, 2007. Prior to that meeting, I had seen her
in a movie and tried to reach her. I even discussed her with a friend of
mine who was close to some movie practitioners. I succeeded in getting
her telephone number and the rest is now history.
What endeared you to each other?
Bose: When I saw him, I
fell in love with his personality. The fact that he looked like my
younger brother increased my affection for him. He looked so cute in his
white shorts and I loved his complexion.
Rasaq: I was attracted to her beauty and her petite physique.
When did you make up your mind to marry her?
Rasaq: I decided to
marry her when I discovered she was cultured and had the characteristics
of a good wife; I took the decision and she accepted. It didn’t take
long for me to make up my mind and I guess that is what happens when you
find the ‘one’.
Bose: I must say we didn’t date for too long; we got married less than a year after we first met. I knew we would make a good couple.
While you courted, did you worry about the future of the relationship?
Bose: I didn’t imagine that he would ditch me. I just went with flow.
Did it matter to you that she was an actress?
Rasaq: I was more
concerned about her personality and not her career. There is nothing
wrong with dating and getting married to an actress.
Why is it that footballers love to marry beautiful women?
Rasaq: I don’t
think this is peculiar to footballers. Everyone loves a good thing and
men would make advances to a woman, especially if she is pretty. I saw
her, I fell for her and I went for her. I guess footballers are the
lucky ones and we are destined to marry beautiful wives.
Did your parents support your relationship?
Bose: Yes, our parents
supported our relationship but my mum wanted me to graduate from the
university before we got married. I was in my final year at the
University of Lagos, when we met.
You both lead very busy lives. How do you ensure everything on the home front is fine whenever you both have to be away?
Rasaq: Whenever I have
to be away at my club, Olympic Safi in Morocco or when I have to play
for the Benin national football team, we always find a way around it.
Most times, we invite my mother-in-law or my mother to care for the
kids.
Bose: We are both
blessed to have our mothers. As a mother of four including a set of
twins, it’s a rare privilege and I never take it for granted.
How would you describe your marriage?
Bose: I feel good and blessed to have being married for eight years irrespective of the downtimes which occasionally arise.
Rasaq: Marriage is such a fantastic and beautiful experience. It helps you to become more responsible.
How do you keep admirers at bay?
Rasaq: As a footballer,
ladies will come around and try to court my friendship. I try to be
nice and friendly with them and avoid bad influences.As soon as I notice
a female fan with an ulterior motive, I cut ties with such a person
immediately. I literally put my family first, and as a man, I let
admirers know they can only admire me from afar.
Bose: I try to treat
them in a mature manner. Some guys can be stubborn; they send me silly
pictures which I show my hubby and we just laugh it off.
How often do you have misunderstandings?
Bose: Very often and
even as we speak (as at the time this interview was being conducted).
Now, we are left with no other choice other than reconcile.
Who apologises first?
Bose: It depends on who caused the disagreement. Most times, I apologise first and at other times, we both share in the blame.
Do you sometimes invite a third party ?
Rasaq: We do but only when we think it is necessary.
Do you operate a joint account?
Rasaq: No, we don’t own one.
What would you say accounts for the success of your marriage?
Rasaq: It has to be the ability to know how to manage her crazy side. I think is the fact that there is no perfect being.
Bose: Tolerating and
loving each other unconditionally has kept us in love. I also do not
regret marrying a footballer. This is because my husband is a dynamic
African man; he is loving, respectful, caring and a good father. I am
enjoying every bit of my life with him.
How do you react when female fans celebrate your husband?
Bose: I sometimes feel jealous, but most times I’m happy to be married to a man that is celebrated by people. I count myself lucky.
Do you watch his matches?
Bose: I feel proud
whenever I watch him playing a match. Whenever he is on the pitch and
gets hurt during a match, I literally feel his pain myself. Whenever I
watch any of his matches in public, I usually make sure that everyone
seated close to me know that he is my man. The highpoint for me is
whenever he scores because I feel on top of the world.
Do you watch movies she featured in?
Rasaq: Yes I do. I am a
great fan of her films and I admire her acting prowess. I also critique
some of her roles whenever I find the time to. I’m always on the
lookout for ways with which she can improve on her craft and she does
the same for me.
What are the most valuable gifts you have shared as a couple?
Bose: Aside from our children,maybe wristwatches and beautiful traditional attires.
What are the challenges associated with being married to a celebrity?
Bose: There aren’t any challenges. Instead, marriage has opened some doors for me at home and abroad.
Do you sometimes argue over finances?
Rasaq: Yes, we occasionally do. But it’s always sorted out in no time.
What advice do you have for celebrity couples?
Rasaq: I would advise
that they run their homes the way they want and put God first.They
shouldn’t allow themselves to feel oppressed by the happenings in other
people’s homes.
Can you spare some advice for intending celebrity couples?
Bose: They must be
ready to let God be the third party in their relationship. They must
also be ready to ride on a rough and smooth road. It is not rosy often
times; be ready to see another side of your partner which you never saw
while you were courted. Be smart about your judgments and do not trust
outsiders to build your home for you! They must also be wise and refrain
from receiving unwholesome advice.
What pet names do you call each other?
Bose: We call each other baby.
