Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has spoken out on the ongoing family crisis surrounding the late actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, attributing the dispute to the effects of polygamy.
The actress made the remarks after Mr Ibu’s widow, Stella Maris, publicly appealed for financial assistance during a visit from King Mitchy. Her plea was met with opposition from one of the late actor’s sons, who alleged that she had sold Mr Ibu’s properties despite claiming to be facing hardship. The actor’s first wife also challenged Stella Maris’ account and supported the son’s claims.
Reacting to the controversy, Rita Edochie said the situation has strengthened her belief that polygamy causes more harm than good.
“I DO NOT WANT TO BE NUMBERED…
“POLYGAMY HAS DONE MORE HARM THAN GOOD NOT JUST IN NIGERIA BUT IN AFRICA AS A WHOLE.
“WE MUST CALL A SPADE A SPADE. LATE MR IBU DID NOT DO WELL AT ALL!!!!!!!!”
She said attempts to portray polygamy as a successful cultural practice cannot erase the damage it has caused to many families.
“NO MATTER HOW WE TRY TO SUGARCOAT POLYGAMY OR PAINT IT AS A CULTURAL SUCCESS STORY, IT STILL DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE GREATEST MARITAL ERRORS THAT HAS JEOPARDIZED THE PEACE, UNITY, AND HARMONY OF COUNTLESS FAMILIES.”
According to her, the problems associated with polygamy often include rivalry, jealousy, unhealthy competition, bitterness, divided loyalties, inheritance disputes and prolonged family conflicts.
Rita added that such conflicts usually become more pronounced after the death of the family head.
“THE PAINFUL ASPECT OF IT COMES WHEN THE PROUD POLYGAMIST IS GONE TO THE OTHER SIDE. SADLY.”
She described the ongoing disagreements within Mr Ibu’s family as a warning to those already in polygamous marriages or planning to enter one.
“THE SITUATION CURRENTLY PLAYING OUT IN MR IBU’S FAMILY HAS BECOME ANOTHER PAINFUL REMINDER OF HOW DIFFICULT SUCH FAMILY STRUCTURES CAN BECOME… THIS SHOULD SERVE AS A SERIOUS WARNING TO THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN POLYGAMOUS HOMES OR ARE PLANNING TO BUILD ONE TOMORROW.”
The actress concluded by noting that if sustaining peace in a monogamous marriage already demands patience, commitment and sacrifice, maintaining harmony in a polygamous home becomes even more challenging.
