Nigerian politician and businessman Senator Ned Nwoko has sparked widespread debate after stating that “having one wife is like standing on one leg.” The controversial comment came during his interview with journalist Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, where the Delta-born senator passionately defended his polygamous lifestyle.
The statement arrives at a time when Nwoko’s marriage to his popular actress wife, Regina Daniels, is reportedly on the brink of collapse following weeks of allegations, counter-accusations, and social media tension.
“I Feel Sorry for Those with One Wife”
During the televised conversation, Senator Nwoko drew a metaphor between polygamy and physical balance, describing monogamy as “unstable.” According to him, a man’s household becomes more stable and complete when he has more than one wife.
He said:
“Just imagine telling you to stand on one leg — you know how difficult it is. But it is much more balanced to stand on two, three, or four. I feel sorry for those with one wife. I don’t have any regrets, and I will do the same thing again.”
His remarks immediately set social media ablaze, triggering intense discussions about gender roles, cultural traditions, and modern marriage dynamics in Africa. While some defended his position, describing it as reflective of traditional African values, others criticized his analogy as outdated and insensitive, especially amid his ongoing marital crisis.
The Marital Crisis Unfolds
The controversy surrounding Nwoko’s comments is heightened by his current marital issues with his fourth wife, Regina Daniels, a Nollywood actress known for her glamour and youthful energy.
Just days before the television interview aired, Regina Daniels released a viral video in which she emotionally accused her husband of domestic violence. The actress, visibly distressed in the footage, claimed she had suffered repeated physical and emotional abuse in their home.
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans and human rights advocates calling for a full investigation. Many sympathized with Regina, while others urged caution and privacy in handling the matter.
In response, Senator Nwoko denied the allegations in a detailed post shared on his Instagram page. He countered by accusing Regina of substance abuse and erratic behavior, claiming her actions had strained their relationship.
“Regina is a woman I have supported with all my heart. But she has changed recently,” Nwoko wrote. “I have never laid a hand on her. She needs help, not pity.”
The back-and-forth between the couple, once celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most glamorous unions, has left the public divided — with both sympathy and skepticism swirling around their conflicting narratives.
Rumours of Divorce and a New Home
As the tension between the couple intensified, speculation about their possible divorce began to dominate headlines. Neither party has officially confirmed the separation, but recent developments seem to point in that direction.
On Sunday evening, Regina Daniels shared a striking photo of herself standing on the balcony of what appears to be a newly acquired home. The picture, which quickly garnered thousands of reactions, had a simple but telling caption:
“I needed a roof over my head.”
The post instantly fueled rumours that the actress had moved out of her marital home. Fans and media outlets speculated that the property might be located in Lagos State, further reinforcing claims that she is ready to start a new life away from Nwoko.
Close sources revealed that Regina had been away from her husband’s Abuja residence for several weeks and had recently been spotted attending events without her wedding ring.
Public Reactions and Cultural Debate
Senator Nwoko’s remarks about polygamy have drawn strong reactions from both supporters and critics.
Those who support him argue that his comments reflect a long-standing African cultural belief in the stability of large families and the importance of shared responsibilities among multiple wives. Some traditionalists insist that polygamy promotes unity and family expansion, especially among wealthy or influential men.
However, others see his statement as tone-deaf and insensitive, especially considering the current emotional turmoil involving his wife. Social media users have described his comments as “a public mockery” of Regina’s pain and “an attempt to justify his choices at the expense of empathy.”
Women’s rights activists have also weighed in, condemning the remarks as reinforcing outdated stereotypes. Dr. Aisha Ibrahim, a gender advocate based in Abuja, told Africa Live News that such statements could normalize unhealthy relationships.
“Comparing marriage to standing on one leg trivializes the emotional depth of human relationships,” she said. “At a time when his wife has publicly spoken about abuse, such remarks sound dismissive and insensitive.”
A Marriage Once Admired
Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s marriage has long been a subject of public fascination and controversy. The couple made headlines in 2019 when they tied the knot despite a significant age difference. Their union was initially met with mixed reactions, but over time, the two appeared to build a strong family bond, often sharing pictures of their luxurious lifestyle and family moments online.
Regina has frequently described her husband as “supportive and wise,” while Nwoko, on several occasions, praised her for bringing “joy and youthfulness” into his life. However, recent events suggest a drastic shift from those early days of public affection.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the personal drama, the situation has once again highlighted the complex realities of polygamy in modern African society. While some still view it as a cultural right, others question its relevance in a world increasingly advocating for gender equality and emotional partnership.
For many observers, Nwoko’s analogy — “standing on one leg” — has become symbolic of a deeper societal divide: the tension between tradition and modernity, between power and equality.
Moving Forward
As of now, neither Ned Nwoko nor Regina Daniels has issued a new statement regarding the status of their marriage. However, the tone of their recent public interactions suggests a widening rift.
Regina’s new home and Nwoko’s defense of his polygamous beliefs appear to mark two divergent paths — one toward self-reinvention, and the other toward the reaffirmation of cultural identity.
Whether this episode ends in reconciliation or separation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: both figures have become central to a larger national conversation about love, marriage, and the evolving role of women in contemporary African society.
By Africa Live News
