Don't be quick to change your surname on legal papers - Media personality to married women

Popular Nigerian media personality, Shade Ladipo, has advised married women against rushing to change their surnames on legal documents, drawing from her own experience.

Ladipo said she was lucky not to have changed her last name after her marriage, which eventually ended in divorce.

She emphasised that women put in significant effort to establish their brands and should carefully consider altering their surnames, particularly on official paperwork.

Sharing her advice on social media, specifically on Instagram, Ladipo wrote:

"One thing I’m so glad I didn’t rush to do when I was married? Changing my name. How could I spend over 20 years building the 'Shade Ladipo' brand, only to change it overnight to another name?

"Some people see my father and say, 'Oh, you’re Shade Ladipo’s father.' Sis, you’ve worked too hard to build your brand. Don’t rush to change it, especially on legal documents. Take your time; there’s no rush, I assure you!"

Her counsel underscores the importance of preserving personal identity and brand equity amid marital changes.