Veteran Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle has shared that she stepped away from social media to protect her peace, describing online spaces as increasingly toxic and unsafe.
The 58-year-old actress made a rare return to Instagram after months of absence, explaining that she needed time away to safeguard her emotional well-being.
“I used to wonder what I’d do with myself once I became an ‘empty nester’… now I know. Had to disappear again,” she wrote. “The streets of social media (nay, the world in general) is becoming too toxic for my quiet soul. How have you been? I hope you’re protecting yourself?”
Doyle’s candid reflection resonated with many followers who praised her for prioritizing her mental health in an era where public figures face constant scrutiny online.
Born on May 3, 1967, in Ondo State, Doyle spent part of her early life in Boston, United States, before returning to Nigeria, where she earned a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos.
Her entertainment career began as a producer and presenter, notably creating and hosting the hit fashion and lifestyle show Oge with Iretiola for ten years, alongside anchoring programs such as Morning Ride on Silverbird Television.
Doyle’s transition into acting in the late 1990s launched a distinguished career, with standout performances in films like Sitanda (2006), Across the Niger (2009), and Torn (2013). Her artistry has earned her numerous accolades, including a Best Supporting Actress award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
She was formerly married to broadcaster Patrick Doyle, a marriage that ended in divorce.
The respected actress’s decision to step back from the limelight underscores a broader conversation about digital wellness and self-preservation in today’s social media-driven world.
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