Veteran Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has ignited heated conversations across social media platforms after openly sharing her controversial perspective on the subjects of cheating and polygamy, issues that have long sparked debate in Nigerian society.
The actress made these remarks during a candid podcast interview with her industry colleague Ayo Adesanya. During the session, Adesanya introduced a note sent in by a female listener who was seeking advice on how to handle her unfaithful boyfriend. The story prompted a thought-provoking exchange, and Akintola did not hold back in her response.
Akintola stated that infidelity is far from a new phenomenon, stressing that it has existed for generations and is woven into cultural practices such as polygamy. She insisted that “90 to 99% of men cheat by default,” adding that the behaviour is not merely a personal flaw but rather a deeply rooted pattern passed down within families and communities. “The majority of our men cheat. Your father cheated, sir. Sorry, I’m sorry. Your grandfather did. Polygamy, polygamy. Yes, my father has two wives,” she said pointedly, highlighting her belief that the culture of infidelity is an inherited trait.
Expanding further, Akintola questioned where the idea of absolute fidelity originated from in the African context, arguing that cultural realities do not align with the concept. “I don’t know where this idea of fidelity came from in Africa. The reality is 90% of our men cheat, it’s ingrained in them. Some even grew up following their fathers to see girlfriends,” she asserted, painting a vivid picture of how these behaviours are often normalised from childhood.
The actress also challenged women to rethink their expectations in relationships, suggesting that denial about the prevalence of infidelity often leads to disappointment. She noted that leaving one relationship because of cheating often leads women into another with the same issue. To drive home her point, she referenced high-profile celebrity relationships, remarking, “Jay Z cheated on Beyoncé. Did she leave? No. So please, let’s talk about the reality we are facing.”
Her remarks have since triggered a wave of divided reactions online. While some social media users acknowledged that her statements reflect undeniable cultural truths, others accused her of attempting to “normalise” and excuse destructive behaviour in relationships. Many commenters expressed frustration at the idea of women being asked to lower their expectations.
On Instagram, one user @omah_licha_nwa criticised her stance, writing, “lol these are the enablers of bad behavior that we keep talking about but ok go off sis 👏.” Meanwhile, another user, @bjay_9ja, stirred further conversation by commenting, “But who fear DNA tests more?” The mix of agreement, criticism, and sarcasm showcased how polarising Akintola’s comments have become.
For now, the debate continues to spread, with Akintola’s views shining a spotlight on the long-standing cultural tension between traditional practices like polygamy and modern expectations of fidelity in relationships. Her bluntness has ensured that the conversation will remain a trending topic among Nigerians both online and offline for days to come.