Eyiyemi Afolayan, daughter of acclaimed Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, has stirred public interest after sharing her honest views on marriage, relationships, and financial expectations during a recent BBC interview. The actress, known for her roles in Nigerian cinema, revealed she would prefer to marry a man of modest means over a wealthy one, citing concerns about how money can influence behavior in intimate relationships. Her comments have sparked widespread discussion across social media and news platforms, with many Nigerians reflecting on her stance on love, partnership, and personal values.
In the interview, Eyiyemi explained that she values a man who is hardworking and self-reliant, rather than one whose wealth might affect his emotional commitment. She emphasized that she is not willing to financially support a partner who is not actively building his own life. “I can’t build with a man. Why can’t I build with a man? You know men; they are ingrates,” she said, highlighting her belief that financial dependence can strain relationships. She added, “If I marry a man who doesn’t have money and see money, if I marry him, he will stay with me, not because he loves me, but because he doesn’t have the money to flirt around.”
Eyiyemi, who was born into a wealthy family, stressed that any man she chooses to marry must be striving for personal growth. “I was born into wealth. Any man who wants to marry me must be doing something for himself. I can’t be feeding him, but I can support him,” she stated. Her words reflect a desire for mutual effort and respect in marriage, rather than one-sided financial reliance. She also expressed strong reservations about polygamy, stating she would never accept the role of a second or third wife. “I can’t be a second or third wife for any man. It is not because I am jealous or anything. A polygamous home comes with a lot of troubles,” she explained, underscoring her preference for a stable, monogamous relationship.
Despite her personal views, Eyiyemi made it clear that she respects her father’s choices, including his decision to take multiple wives. She affirmed her unconditional support for Kunle Afolayan, stating that she and her siblings will always stand by him regardless of his life decisions. Her comments have resonated with many Nigerians who are navigating similar questions about love, money, and societal expectations. As conversations about modern relationships continue to evolve in Nigeria, Eyiyemi’s perspective adds a bold, personal voice to the national dialogue on marriage and gender roles. Her openness is likely to influence future discussions on what it means to build a sustainable and respectful partnership in contemporary Nigerian society.
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