"MEURER AND I WERE NEVER LEGALLY MARRIED; OUR UNION WAS MERELY AN INTRODUCTION," - OLAKUNLE CHURCHILL ADDRESSES DIVORCE RUMOURS.

Nigerian businessman Olakunle Churchill has dismissed reports claiming his relationship with actress Roseline Meurer has ended in divorce, describing the circulating story as false and misleading.

In a statement shared on his official Instagram account, Churchill clarified that he and Meurer were never legally married, stressing that their union was limited to a traditional introduction ceremony—a cultural event that does not carry legal weight under Nigerian marriage law.

"There is no legally recognised marriage. No church wedding and no court wedding. What we did was an introduction. Therefore, the idea of a 'divorce' is baseless from the beginning," he said.

The businessman's response follows widespread rumours suggesting that Meurer had filed for divorce—claims that gained traction amid renewed public attention on Churchill's personal life following his recent reconciliation with ex-wife, actress Tonto Dikeh.

Under Nigerian law, a marriage is legally recognised only when it complies with the Marriage Act (for statutory or church weddings) or the appropriate native law and custom that results in a legally binding union. An "introduction" ceremony (often called the first step in traditional marriage) is generally not sufficient to create a legally recognised marriage. Therefore, as Churchill argues, no court can grant a divorce where no valid marriage exists in the eyes of the law.

Churchill also questioned the authenticity of alleged divorce documents circulating online, noting that he had not been formally served with any legal papers.

"Any legitimate legal process requires that all parties are formally served and given the opportunity to respond. I was never served," he added.

Speculation about trouble in his relationship with Meurer intensified shortly after his reconciliation with ex-wife Tonto Dikeh became public. The former couple, who share a son, King Andre, had been estranged for nearly a decade before announcing that they had resolved their differences.

In separate statements earlier in the year, both Churchill and Dikeh confirmed that they had put past conflicts behind them and were now focused on co‑parenting their child.

Following that reconciliation, Churchill shared a social media post emphasising his commitment to prioritising his children—a message some observers linked to the emergence of breakup rumours with Meurer. However, Meurer has not publicly addressed the claims.

Churchill further criticised individuals he accused of spreading misinformation and offering questionable legal advice regarding the alleged divorce.

He also addressed narratives suggesting that Meurer had stood by him during difficult periods in his past relationship, stating that personal issues within his previous marriage were his sole responsibility.

Churchill and Meurer have been together for nearly six years and share two children. Despite the absence of a legal marriage, their long‑term partnership and co‑parenting arrangement remain a private matter that Churchill appears keen to keep separate from public speculation.

This situation highlights a common misunderstanding about the difference between cultural ceremonies and legally recognised marriages in Nigeria. Many couples mistake an introduction or traditional engagement for a full legal marriage, only to discover that dissolution—where no valid marriage exists—requires no divorce proceedings. Churchill's firm denial of any legal marriage effectively closes the door to any court‑initiated divorce, leaving the rumours without legal foundation.