Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie is no stranger to controversy.
But his latest assertion—that Africans can teach the white man how to sustain a marriage—has triggered widespread discussion across generations and continents.
In a series of recent interviews and viral social media clips, Edochie expressed disdain for what he described as the West’s broken approach to love and commitment. Pointing to the soaring divorce rates in Europe and America, he said: “Their women walk away too easily… We could teach them how to hold it together.”
Nollywood’s Own Crisis
Edochie didn’t stop at Western culture. He turned the lens inward, lamenting the surge in broken marriages within Nollywood. He cited once-revered celebrity couples, including Chioma Chukwuka, Ireti Doyle, and Tonto Dikeh, whose unions collapsed under the pressures of modern expectations.
“They believe the grass is greener on the other side,” he said. “But marriage is for better and for worse.”
Tradition vs. Modern Love
At the heart of Edochie’s message is his unshakable loyalty to African traditional values. He’s long been critical of changing gender roles, including women proposing to men and the influence of feminism.
On kneeling proposals:
“That’s a man surrendering leadership. It’s un-African.”
On feminism: “It confuses our women. They abandon their responsibilities and end up unhappy.”
He believes these Western imports are eroding cultural stability and undermining African family structures.
A Divided Response
Edochie’s views have found both applause and outrage. Some hail his 50+ years of marriage as proof that traditional systems work. Others, especially younger Nigerians, accuse him of promoting patriarchy and ignoring women’s right to freedom, respect, and equal voice.
Supporters say he’s protecting African values from foreign influence.
Critics argue he’s romanticizing endurance at the expense of women’s well-being.
Snapshot of His Beliefs:
| Issue | Edochie’s Perspective |
|---|---|
| Marriage commitment | Divorce is too easy in the West; vows should be upheld through hardship |
| Modern feminism | Creates imbalance and dissatisfaction in the home |
| Proposal etiquette | Men kneeling undermines traditional masculinity and leadership |
| Cultural superiority | African values promote more lasting unions than Western counterparts |
