“Polygamy One of Greatest Marital Errors,” — Rita Edochie 

Veteran Nollywood actor Rita Edochie has spoken out against polygamy, describing it as one of the greatest marital errors, and pointing to the ongoing public disagreements within the family of late actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, as a cautionary example.

In a lengthy post shared on her official Instagram page on June 29, 2026, Rita Edochie said she did not want to be numbered among supporters of polygamous marriages, arguing that the practice has caused more harm than good across Africa.

“Polygamy has done more harm than good, not just in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole. We must call a spade a spade. The late Mr Ibu did not do well at all. No matter how we try to sugarcoat polygamy or paint it as a cultural success story, it still does not change the fact that it has been one of the greatest marital errors that has jeopardised the peace, unity, and harmony of countless families.”

Her comments come amidst a dispute among Mr Ibu’s widow, children, and a woman claiming to be his first wife over the late actor’s properties and estate.

She stated that the dispute currently playing out in Mr Ibu’s family had become another painful reminder of how difficult polygamous family structures can become, pointing to the public disagreements among his relatives over property and other issues as heartbreaking to watch. 

The dispute she referenced began after Stella Maris Okafor, Mr Ibu’s widow, appeared in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, appealing for financial assistance and disclosing that the family had been without electricity for two months over unpaid bills. Somtochukwu Okafor, identified as Mr Ibu’s third son, responded with allegations that Stella had sold multiple properties belonging to his father, including a Lagos house for ₦60 million, an Enugu property for ₦17 million, and an Asaba property for ₦11 million, without consulting or sharing proceeds with his other children.