Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has blamed the ongoing crisis within the family of the late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, on polygamy, describing the situation as a painful lesson on the challenges such family structures can create.
Her comments followed an appeal for financial assistance made by Mr Ibu’s widow, Stella Maris, after a visit from philanthropist King Mitchy.
The appeal sparked fresh controversy after one of the late actor’s sons accused Stella Maris of selling some of Mr Ibu’s properties while still claiming the family was facing financial hardship. Mr Ibu’s first wife also disputed the widow’s claims and publicly supported the son’s allegations.
Reacting in a lengthy post on social media, Rita Edochie said the developments reinforced her long-held belief that polygamy often creates lasting problems within families.
According to the actress, while many people defend polygamy as part of African culture, it has caused more harm than good by fostering rivalry, jealousy, divided loyalties, inheritance disputes and prolonged family conflicts.
She wrote:
“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.”
Rita further stated that the disagreements currently playing out within Mr Ibu’s family should serve as a warning to those already in polygamous marriages or considering such family arrangements.
She maintained that the late actor’s family dispute is another reminder of the emotional and legal challenges that can arise in polygamous homes, particularly after the death of the family patriarch.
