Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has sparked conversation by asserting that infidelity is deeply entrenched in Nigerian society.
Speaking during a podcast interview with fellow actor Ayo Adesanya, she remarked, “The majority of our men cheat. Your father cheated, sir. Sorry, I’m sorry. Your grandfather did.”
Akintola linked the practice to longstanding cultural norms, including polygamy, sharing, “I don’t know where this idea of fidelity came from in Africa. The reality is 90 to 99% of our men cheat, it’s ingrained in them. Some even grew up following their fathers to see girlfriends.”
Highlighting the cyclical nature of the issue, she noted, “You leave one man because he cheated, you go to another, the same problem. Jessie cheated on Beyoncé. Did she leave? No. So please, let’s talk about the reality we are facing.”
Beyond relationships, Bimbo Akintola expressed concern over shifts within Nollywood itself. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, she said, “When we started, it was pure passion. Legends like Joke Silva and Sola Sobowale worked tirelessly, prioritising their craft over glamour or comfort.”
She lamented the current focus on appearance, stating, “Today, many actors are more concerned about makeup and outfits, even going for Brazilian Butt Lifts. Looks will fade, but true artistry lasts.”
