Nollywood veteran Pete Edochie has attributed high marital breakdown rates in Western countries to men kneeling to propose, arguing that the gesture symbolises a surrender of family headship.
Speaking during an appearance on the interview programme *Curiosity Made Me Ask*, the acclaimed actor shared his perspectives on marriage, traditional gender roles, and modern romance.
Edochie explained that while genuflecting holds spiritual significance for him, a man dropping to one knee to present an engagement ring carries a very different, damaging meaning.
“If you step down on your knee and offer a woman a ring, you are conceding headship of the family to that woman,” Edochie said. “Have you ever asked yourself why marriages don’t last in Western countries? That is the reason.”
According to Edochie, many men who adopt the custom as a romantic gesture fail to understand what he believes it inherently represents.
He further linked the practice to the financial consequences of divorce in Western jurisdictions, where assets are frequently split between former spouses.
“So, if your wife decides to divorce you, she’s entitled to maybe half or 75 per cent of what you have,” he claimed, adding his belief that the trend of kneeling to propose is beginning to decline.
The conversation also touched on Edochie’s personal views regarding domestic dynamics and love languages.
When asked about control in relationships, Edochie stated that while he rejects being dominated by a partner, he values an open relationship where a woman can communicate freely with him.
Addressing acts of service—specifically doing domestic chores like washing a partner’s clothes—the actor acknowledged that while such gestures serve as a love language for some, it is not his preferred way of expressing affection.
