“Polygamy Should Be Embraced Because There’s Shortage Of Men”

Nigerian actress Bimbo Akintola has spoken in favor of polygamy, calling on society to “embrace” the tradition.

In a recent Talk To B interview, the actress highlighted that polygamy is “part of our tradition,” recalling that many older Yoruba families were raised in homes with men having several wives.

The 55-year-old actress also argued that there is a shortage of men, suggesting that it is reasonable for two women to share a husband.

The actress shared examples of women who welcomed co-wives, including a case she personally knows where a woman arranged for her husband to take another wife due to differences in sexual needs.

“With the way the world is going, people should embrace polygamy. You say marriage is everything, so if we don’t have enough men according to statistics, does that not mean two women to one man?” she said.

“I also believe it is part of our tradition. Most of Generation X, Yorubas, and even our parents had two to three wives.

“It was something we saw while growing up. Maybe we also noticed the disadvantages, but some people say there are advantages too.

“I know some women who would rather have a second wife. I even know someone who married a second wife for her husband so that she could have peace.

“They didn’t have the same libido. His was higher than hers, so she thought, ‘this man will kill me, let me find support’ and she married a wife for him.”

Akintola also outlined a clear option for those who prefer monogamy, connecting the choice directly to considerations around parenting.

She emphasized that fostering a faithful, monogamous society depends on raising sons with the same strict values instilled in daughters.

“With polygamy, if you are really particular about having a man to yourself, then have a man with principles, raise that man,” she added.

“Raise your son to be that kind of man so that future women, your daughters, will have men like that to marry. That is how you contribute to the world.

“All these men we are talking about, who are polygamous and cheat, were raised by someone. They were given those values by someone. So if you want a different world where it’s one man, one woman, no cheating, then raise your sons properly.

“Teach your sons that their body is the temple of God, the same way you teach your daughters. If you tell your daughters to cross their legs, tell your sons to keep their hands to themselves. People don’t teach their sons how to be men—they simply watch the example of their fathers.

“Nobody tells them that the girls they meet are like their sisters or mothers, and that they must treat them with respect. If mothers had said that to their sons, there would be better treatment of girls generally.”

Akintola, born on May 5, 1970, holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan (UI).

She began her acting career in 1995 with the iconic film Owo Blow, starring alongside Femi Adebayo, and gained widespread recognition with Out of Bounds (1997), which featured Richard Mofe-Damijo.

She has garnered numerous awards and accolades for her talent, including a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards.

The actress clinched the Best Actress award at the 2015 Eko International Film Festival for her performance in Heaven’s Hell.

Watch her speak below…