Yinka Omolola Theisen (née Ajakaiye)

Yinka Omolola Theisen (née Ajakaiye), widely known as Yinka Theisen, was born on April 9, 1969, in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a prominent Yoruba family. As of 2025, she is 56 years old. She holds dual Nigerian-American citizenship, having spent significant portions of her life in both countries. Yinka is of Yoruba ethnic origin and was raised in a devout Christian household, values that have continued to shape her personal and professional life

Personal Background and Early Life

Yinka Omolola Ajakaiye, widely known as Yinka Theisen, was born on April 9, 1969, in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a prominent Yoruba family. As of 2025, she is 56 years old. She holds dual Nigerian-American citizenship, having spent significant portions of her life in both countries. Yinka is of Yoruba ethnic origin and was raised in a devout Christian household, values that have continued to shape her personal and professional life. She is the daughter of the late Ambassador Andrew Ayorinde Ajakaiye, a respected Nigerian diplomat who served with distinction in various international assignments. Her privileged upbringing afforded her access to quality education and a multicultural worldview, both of which influenced her later career choices in healthcare and business. Despite being associated today with public controversy through her engagement to Nollywood actor Linc Edochie, Yinka’s roots are firmly grounded in diplomacy, cultural heritage, and service-oriented values.

Education and Career

Yinka Omolola Ajakaiye, known publicly as Yinka Theisen, has built a reputable career in the healthcare sector, particularly in the field of mental health nursing. A certified nurse, Yinka has dedicated several years to working in psychiatric care, where she currently serves in a specialized mental health facility in the United States. Her professional experience is complemented by a deep understanding of patient care, emotional wellness, and clinical support services—areas she has been praised for by colleagues and patients alike.

In addition to her medical profession, Yinka is also an entrepreneur. She manages multiple business ventures that operate alongside her nursing career, demonstrating her capacity for multitasking and her keen interest in financial independence. Her ability to balance healthcare responsibilities with entrepreneurial pursuits reflects both discipline and ambition—traits that have defined her personal journey over the decades.

Marital History and Children

Yinka’s first marriage was to an American man with the surname Theisen, a union that introduced her to life in the United States and laid the foundation for her dual citizenship. From this marriage, Yinka had three children: two biracial daughters and a son named Trenton, who is described as athletic and actively involved in sports. Her family life, though once private, has drawn public interest due to her association with the Edochie family in Nigeria.

Following several years of marriage, Yinka and her first husband underwent a legal divorce, after which she assumed full responsibility for the upbringing of her children. She relocated them to the United States, where they were raised and educated. Today, all three of her children are grown and independent, forming a core part of her personal life and identity as both a mother and a professional.

Relationship and Engagement with Linc Edochie

Yinka Omolola Ajakaiye’s relationship with Linc Edochie, a Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and member of the renowned Edochie family, first came to public attention in early 2025. The relationship became widely discussed after Yinka left a public comment on a post made by Linc’s brother, Yul Edochie, who has been at the center of a prolonged and highly publicized marital controversy involving his estranged wife, May Edochie, and second wife, Judy Austin. The comment—seemingly supportive of Yul—sparked immediate reactions from fans and observers, many of whom began to speculate about Yinka’s deeper involvement in the Edochie family affairs.

In May 2025, Yinka confirmed that she was officially engaged to Linc Edochie. She made the announcement on Instagram, where she posted a picture of her engagement ring accompanied by the simple yet emotional caption: “I said yes.” The announcement was met with mixed reactions—some congratulated the couple, while others criticized the timing and questioned the sincerity of the relationship, particularly in light of ongoing tensions within the Edochie family.

Despite the buzz surrounding their union, Yinka and Linc have clarified that they are not yet married, and are currently engaged. They have chosen to keep the details of their future wedding plans private, though their relationship remains under public scrutiny due to its close proximity to the Edochie family’s broader controversies. Nonetheless, both Yinka and Linc have expressed a desire to move forward with their lives, regardless of public opinion.

Controversies and Feuds with May Edochie

1. May Nation Backlash and the Social Media Uproar

The controversy surrounding Yinka Omolola Ajakaiye—fiancée to Nollywood actor Linc Edochie—took a dramatic turn when she left a seemingly innocuous congratulatory comment on an Instagram post made by her future brother-in-law, Yul Edochie, announcing the birth of his child with actress Judy Austin. While Yinka’s message appeared celebratory on the surface, it struck a nerve with many followers of May Edochie, Yul’s estranged first wife, who has garnered widespread sympathy since her marital crisis became public.

The comment was interpreted by fans not as a neutral or courteous gesture, but as a symbolic endorsement of Yul and Judy’s controversial union—one that many Nigerians still view as morally and culturally inappropriate. For May Nation, the fierce online community of supporters who admire May Edochie’s grace and resilience, Yinka’s gesture was an affront, seen as an intentional slight or, at best, an insensitive move during a deeply emotional chapter in May’s life.

What followed was an eruption of criticism across social media platforms. On Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, Yinka was called out for “picking sides” in a family matter that was still raw and unresolved. The backlash was immediate and widespread, with hashtags and reaction videos trending under phrases like #TeamMay, #MayNation, and #RespectMay. Critics flooded her comment section, labeling her actions disrespectful, calculated, and provocative, particularly given the visible public support for May by Linc’s brother, veteran actress Rita Edochie, and other respected figures.

Rather than withdraw or apologize, Yinka appeared to stand her ground, responding to some of the criticism with statements asserting her right to comment publicly and dismissing the attacks as cyberbullying. This only intensified the situation, further polarizing public opinion. Supporters of Yinka argued she had done nothing wrong and was being unfairly targeted due to her association with Linc and Yul. Detractors insisted she had crossed a boundary by publicly celebrating a relationship that had brought deep hurt to another woman.

The backlash signaled a larger cultural debate about loyalty, family politics, and the visibility of women’s pain in the public sphere. In the eyes of her critics, Yinka’s comment was more than a social media misstep—it was a symbol of betrayal, tone-deafness, and complicity in the ongoing public humiliation of May Edochie. In a digital age where public sentiment can be swift and unforgiving, Yinka Omolola Ajakaiye found herself cast into the role of antagonist, a position she neither anticipated nor retreated from—marking the beginning of a deeper feud with May Nation.

2. Age Shaming and the ‘Old Cargo’ Insults

Amid the wave of online criticism, Yinka became the target of age-based attacks—with trolls branding her as an “old cargo,” a derogatory slang term implying she was past her prime and unfit for marriage to a younger man. These insults were fueled by the age difference between Yinka and her fiancé, Linc Edochie, and were widely circulated in memes, comment threads, and blog gossip posts. Critics mockingly questioned why Linc would choose to “downgrade” after his first marriage, suggesting that Yinka’s age made her a poor match. The ageist commentary highlighted a deep-seated cultural bias against older women in relationships and sparked debate about ageism, misogyny, and societal double standards in Nigerian celebrity culture.

3. Motives Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Clout-Chasing

Beyond the personal insults, many critics began to question Yinka’s intentions. Some alleged that her engagement to Linc and her visibility within the Edochie family were strategically motivated, designed to gain public attention and elevate her relevance. These suspicions were exacerbated by reports that Yinka had previously left critical comments about Linc and his family, which she later deleted once their relationship became public. Her efforts to reconcile Linc with Yul Edochie were also seen as aligning with Judy Austin’s interests, leading to further accusations that she was attempting to manipulate family dynamics for personal gain. Detractors pointed to her social media activity as evidence that she was not an innocent bystander but an active player in the broader Edochie family saga.

4. Cyberbullying, Threats, and Police Involvement

The public backlash took a dangerous turn when Yinka reported receiving numerous death threats and harassing messages. According to her statements, the threats were made via direct messages on social media, many of which contained disturbing language and implied violence. In response, Yinka announced that she had reported the matter to the authorities, emphasizing that she would not allow herself to be bullied into silence. She used her platform to denounce cyberbullying, noting that women—especially older women in the public eye—should not be vilified for their life choices. Her statement was a powerful affirmation of her resilience, but it also highlighted the increasingly toxic nature of online celebrity culture in Nigeria, where personal safety can be threatened by public opinion.

Public Defense and Support

5. Linc Edochie Speaks Out: Defending Family and Fiancée

Amidst growing tensions, Linc Edochie stepped forward to publicly defend his fiancée. In a widely circulated video, he addressed the defamatory remarks and internet speculation surrounding both his family and Yinka. He firmly denied allegations that his family had financially benefited from May Edochie’s success, calling the rumors baseless and defamatory. Linc criticized the bloggers and fans who had fueled the fire, stating that insults directed at his parents, siblings, and himself had crossed all boundaries of decency. He also responded directly to the “old cargo” jibes, saying, “Do you even know who she is?” His message appealed to cultural values of respect for elders and truth, while also asserting his right to choose love on his own terms.

6. Divided Public Opinion: Yinka vs. May’s Silent Strength

Public opinion regarding Yinka remains sharply divided. While some commend her for her fearlessness, confidence, and refusal to stay silent in the face of bullying, others admire May Edochie’s composed silence, which they interpret as a symbol of class and dignity. Many fans have praised May for taking the high road, refusing to engage with the chaos online, and focusing instead on rebuilding her personal and professional life. A viral comment from a fan captured this sentiment perfectly: “I love the fact that May hasn’t said a word… A Queen I stan gidibam.” The contrast between Yinka’s fiery outspokenness and May’s calm restraint continues to shape the narrative of public loyalty, further fueling debate over who truly holds moral ground in the Edochie saga.

References

TheFamous Naija. (2025, June 5). Yinka Theisen biography, Wikipedia, age, husband (Linc Edochie new wife). TheFamousNaija.com. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.thefamousnaija.com/2025/06/yinka-theisen-biography-wikipedia-age.html (thefamousnaija.com)

Legit.ng. (2025, June 4). May Edochie’s fans respond to Linc Edochie’s new wife, dig up full details: “Know better at 56” by Eniola Lasaki. Legit.ng. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/nollywood/1658300-may-nation-responds-linc-edochies-wife-dig-full-details-56/ (legit.ng)

Biography.IgboPeople.org. (2025, June 8). Yinka Omolola Theisen (née Ajakaiye). IgboPeople Foundation. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/yinka-omolola-theisen-nee-ajakaiye/ (biography.igbopeople.org)

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