Entertainment

Kneeling to Propose Is Why Western Marriages Fail — Pete Edochie Sparks Fresh Debate

Published

2 months ago

September 6, 2026

Pete Edochie

Kneeling to Propose Is Why Western Marriages Fail — Pete Edochie Sparks Fresh Debate

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has reignited a fierce debate on marriage traditions, insisting that men who kneel to propose are symbolically surrendering their family headship—a practice he claims has contributed to the high rate of marital breakdown in Western countries.

The 78-year-old actor, who has been married for 56 years and describes himself as an “uncompromising custodian of Igbo culture,” made the remarks during an exclusive interview on the Curiosity Made Me Ask programme with BaeU Barbie. The conversation has sparked widespread discussion on social media about the balance between tradition and modernity in courtship and marriage.

Edochie argued that kneeling to propose is not merely a romantic gesture but carries deep symbolic meaning that many men fail to recognise. Drawing from his Catholic faith, he explained that kneeling—or genuflection—is an expression of reverence before a higher spiritual authority. “In church, you kneel before a superior spiritual entity. So if you kneel to a woman, you’re acknowledging her superiority. It has destroyed the white people—they don’t know it,” he asserted. “If you step down on your knee and you offer a woman a ring, you are conceding headship of the family to that woman. And that is what a lot of you who advocate that don’t even understand,” Edochie stated.

He maintained that the practice is culturally alien to African tradition, particularly Igbo customs. “Kneeling down to propose to a woman is totally wrong, it is not our lifestyle. Kneeling before a girl in Igbo tradition means you are handing over the authority to her. She becomes the head of the family,” he said. According to Edochie, traditional Igbo marriage rites place the woman in the kneeling position—not the man. “Marriage in Igbo tradition is when a lady gives her husband-to-be wine while kneeling down. What does it signify? That the man has been accepted as the husband of the lady. It is the lady who kneels before the husband, not vice versa,” he explained.

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The veteran actor linked the practice of kneeling proposals directly to the instability of marriages in Western societies. “Have you ever asked yourself why marriages don’t last in Western countries? You haven’t. That’s the reason,” he said. Edochie pointed to what he sees as the consequences of this dynamic: “The white man kneels down to propose to a girl, you know what it means? The girl takes over the family. This is why whenever you disagree with your wife overseas, you are kicked out and the wife takes the house.” He further argued that Western societies show a general disregard for the sanctity of marriage, stating that Africans have more to teach the Western world about sustaining long-term unions. “I have been married for the past 56 years, there is no actor in Hollywood who has my record, nor in Nollywood. Something that we can teach the white man is how to get married and keep their marriages. They don’t appreciate the sanctity of marriage and it doesn’t mean anything to them, it’s nonsensical,” he declared. Edochie also addressed the financial implications of divorce in some Western jurisdictions, noting that women may be entitled to a substantial portion of their husbands’ assets following the dissolution of a marriage. “So, if your wife decides to divorce you, she’s entitled to maybe half or 75 per cent of what you have,” he noted.

While acknowledging that culture evolves, Edochie warned against adopting foreign practices that undermine African values. “Culture is eclectic. In its dynamism, it grows. You adapt and you adopt, there are aspects that you can clip off but adopting these things does not have to be at the expense of our culture,” he said. Edochie cited his own marriage as evidence that his approach works. “I didn’t kneel to propose to my wife and we’ve stayed 50 years in our marriage. I took my time to woo her, when it’s time to settle down, I asked if she’ll marry me and that was it,” he recalled.

When interviewer BaeU Barbie—who noted that he personally knelt when proposing—challenged Edochie, asking, “Do I look like a fool?” the veteran actor stood his ground, replying, “I will not take it back.” Edochie has previously used even stronger language, describing men who kneel to propose as “idiots,” “bloody fools,” and “compound buffoons.”

Edochie’s comments have drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters applaud his defence of cultural identity and male headship of the household, while critics view his stance as outdated in an era where kneeling proposals have become a widely accepted romantic gesture, including in Nigeria. His son, actor Yul Edochie, has offered a more nuanced take, agreeing that kneeling is not traditional African culture and that he himself did not kneel, while stressing that the posture of a proposal does not determine the success or respect within a marriage. The debate continues as Nigerians weigh the balance between cultural preservation and modern expressions of love and commitment.

Kneeling to Propose Is Why Western Marriages Fail — Pete Edochie Sparks Fresh Debate

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Jide Kosoko Reveals Drama Behind Controversial Yoruba Film Amina Eleha

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Prince Jide Kosoko

Jide Kosoko Reveals Drama Behind Controversial Yoruba Film Amina Eleha

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Prince Jide Kosoko, has recounted the controversy surrounding one of his Yoruba films, revealing how objections from some Islamic clerics nearly escalated into a wider confrontation.

The film, initially referred to as Amina Eleha, was later renamed Afomo.

Kosoko made the disclosure during an interview on the African A-List podcast, where he reflected on the challenges he encountered while producing a film whose storyline centred on a Muslim woman involved in adultery.

According to the veteran actor, some Islamic clerics, popularly known as Alfas, objected to the film and reportedly demanded that it should not be released because of its portrayal of a married Muslim woman engaging in an extramarital affair.

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The clerics also reportedly took issue with the name Amina, which they considered religiously sensitive because of its association with the mother of Prophet Muhammad.

Kosoko, however, maintained that his intention was to tell a story about human behaviour and the contradictions that can exist between religious identity and personal conduct.

He questioned the reasoning behind objecting to a fictional character’s name or actions simply because they were associated with a particular religion.

The filmmaker argued that the portrayal of wrongdoing by a character who belongs to a religious community does not necessarily mean that the entire faith is being attacked.

The disagreement reportedly intensified in the Badiya area of Lagos, where some clerics allegedly pulled down posters advertising the production.

Kosoko recalled that the incident attracted the attention of local youths, creating concerns that the disagreement could degenerate into a wider confrontation.

He said he was worried that the situation might be interpreted as an attempt to provoke religious conflict, rather than a disagreement over a film’s storyline.

The actor also credited his colleague, Baba Elesho, with helping him during the tense episode.

According to Kosoko, Baba Elesho confronted the clerics and engaged them in discussions involving Arabic, challenging some of the arguments raised against the production.

Kosoko said the encounter revealed an aspect of Baba Elesho he had not fully appreciated before, particularly his understanding of Arabic and his willingness to intervene when the controversy threatened to escalate.

The veteran filmmaker’s account has renewed attention to the delicate relationship between creative freedom and religious sensitivities in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The subsequent change of the film’s title from Amina Eleha to Afomo is an important detail in the history of the production. However, the precise timing and circumstances surrounding the renaming require further confirmation.

The episode also highlights the difficulties filmmakers may encounter when fictional stories touch on sensitive issues involving religion, marriage and morality.

While filmmakers have the creative freedom to explore human behaviour and social realities, such productions can attract strong reactions when audiences believe their religious beliefs or communities are being misrepresented.

Kosoko’s recollection provides a glimpse into an earlier period of Yoruba filmmaking, when disputes over film content could extend beyond public criticism to confrontations involving filmmakers, religious figures and local residents.

Jide Kosoko Reveals Drama Behind Controversial Yoruba Film Amina Eleha

Entertainment

Nollywood Mourns as Actress, Beauty Queen Tenia Abraham Dies at 32

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Tenia Abraham Omenogor

Nollywood Mourns as Actress, Beauty Queen Tenia Abraham Dies at 32

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is mourning the death of actress and beauty queen Tenia Abraham Omenogor, who died at the age of 32 after suffering from a kidney infection.

Abraham died on October 13, 2026, and was buried at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Saturday, October 17, according to an obituary shared on her Instagram page.

Her family announced her death on Thursday, October 15, through her TikTok account, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the actress, whom they described as a vibrant talent and a loving daughter, sister and friend.

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Nollywood actress, a vibrant talent, a loving daughter, sister and friend,” the family said in its announcement.

The obituary identified the late actress as Tenia Abraham Omenogor and stated that she died after suffering from a kidney infection. However, the family did not provide further medical details about her illness.

The burial arrangements indicated that relatives, friends and well-wishers were expected to gather at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, before proceeding to Gudu Cemetery for the burial.

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In a tribute to the deceased, her family described her as a gifted talent whose life touched those around her.

“She lived with passion, touched many lives with her talent and left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten,” the obituary stated.

The family also paid an emotional tribute to the actress, saying her talent, beauty and kindness would remain in their memories.

“Your light may have gone out from this world, but your talent, beauty and kindness will forever live in our hearts,” the tribute read.

Beyond her acting career, Abraham was involved in beauty pageants and held the Beauty Queen South South 2020 title, adding to her profile in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Following news of her death, attention also turned to a social media post she shared in August, in which she reflected on mortality and encouraged people to show love to one another.

“One day we will leave this world. Let’s love lead,” she wrote.

The message resurfaced following her death, drawing emotional reactions from social media users who reflected on the actress’s words.

Her death at 32 marks a painful loss for her family, friends, colleagues and admirers, who will remember her for her work in Nollywood and her achievements in beauty pageantry.

Nollywood Mourns as Actress, Beauty Queen Tenia Abraham Dies at 32

Entertainment

Toyin Abraham Breaks Silence as Leaked Audio Sparks Fresh Nollywood Feud

Published

4 days ago

October 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Toyin Abraham

Toyin Abraham Breaks Silence as Leaked Audio Sparks Fresh Nollywood Feud

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has responded indirectly to the backlash surrounding an alleged leaked audio conversation in which a TikTok fan was heard making disparaging remarks about fellow actress Funke Akindele, reigniting debate over the relationship between the two movie stars.

The controversy erupted after an approximately 11-minute, 42-second recording, reportedly featuring Abraham and a TikTok personality identified as Bisgold, began circulating on social media on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The conversation, conducted largely in Yoruba and Pidgin English, has divided fans and generated widespread reactions online.

In the recording, the fan is reportedly heard repeatedly making insulting remarks about Akindele, while Abraham appears to laugh at different points rather than challenge the comments. The conversation also reportedly touches on actress Iyabo Ojo, alongside Abraham’s relationships with other colleagues in the movie industry.

The recording has attracted criticism from social media users who questioned Abraham’s response to the remarks about her colleagues. Some argued that the actress should have discouraged the insults, while others questioned the decision to record and circulate what appeared to be a private conversation.

Amid the growing backlash, Abraham reportedly reposted an Instagram Story from influencer Bukky Majek on Thursday, October 15. Majek’s message defended the actress and urged critics to stop attacking her, arguing that her success and blessings came from God.

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However, Abraham’s repost did not amount to a detailed public denial of the recording. The full context of the conversation and the authenticity of the recording have not been independently established in the reports reviewed.

The controversy has also drawn reactions from other members of the entertainment industry, with some defending Abraham and others questioning the practice of secretly recording private conversations.

Actress Foluke Daramola publicly defended Abraham amid the criticism. Daramola questioned whether the actress would say something behind another person’s back that she would not be prepared to say to their face, expressing support for her colleague.

Similarly, actress Regina Chukwu raised concerns about the recording and circulation of private phone conversations. In a social media post, Chukwu questioned why people secretly record conversations with friends and acquaintances, saying she would feel hurt if someone she trusted recorded their private discussion without her knowledge.

Actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday also weighed in on Friday, October 16, defending Abraham and criticising people who encourage hostility between female celebrities. She also directed criticism at the person responsible for recording and leaking the conversation.

The incident has revived public discussion about the strained relationship between Abraham and Akindele, which previously attracted attention following an awkward encounter at the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s film, The Return of Arinzo.

Reports about the earlier incident said Akindele appeared to ignore Abraham’s greeting at the event. Abraham subsequently reportedly said she would no longer greet Akindele and confirmed that she had unfollowed her on social media.

The latest controversy has reopened conversations about rivalry, loyalty, personal boundaries and the impact of social media on relationships among Nollywood stars.

While some supporters have defended Abraham and questioned the ethics of releasing a private conversation, critics have focused on her reported reaction to the comments about Akindele and Ojo.

As the debate continues, no detailed public statement directly addressing all the allegations in the recording was identified in the reports reviewed. The full circumstances surrounding the recording, including how it was obtained and whether the circulating version captures the complete conversation, remain unclear.