Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo shares his candid views on marriage, reveals personal family background in new interview
Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has sparked fresh conversations about love, marriage, and polygamy after stating that it is “unfair” for a man to be married to only one woman. The legendary actor made the remark during a recent appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask, a candid celebrity podcast hosted by media personality Bae U Barbie.
During the episode, RMD responded to a light-hearted yet loaded question about the number of women attracted to him, given his charm, charisma, and enduring popularity on and off the screen.
“You are married to only one woman. Do you think that is fair? Do you have an idea of how many women want you?” the host asked with a laugh.
RMD responded with a calm smile and a statement that quickly became the talk of social media:
“I don’t, but I think it is unfair to be married to just one woman. My father had five [wives].”
The statement instantly lit up online platforms, with fans and commentators debating the implications of his view—some in support, others raising eyebrows.
RMD’s Background and Personal Experience
Richard Mofe-Damijo, who turned 62 in July 2023, is one of Nollywood’s most respected icons. With a career spanning over three decades, he is not only known for his leading roles in films like Out of Bounds, Diamond Ring, and The Wedding Party, but also for his eloquence, integrity, and leadership within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His stance on polygamy, while surprising to some, is rooted in personal experience. RMD revealed that he grew up in a polygamous household where his father had five wives—an arrangement that was more culturally accepted in past generations, especially in many Nigerian communities.
“I come from a home where polygamy was normal. My father had five wives, and I saw how it worked in his time. It may be controversial now, but that was my reality growing up,” he said.
This revelation sheds light on the actor’s broader perspective on family structures, offering context for his belief that being committed to just one woman may feel limiting to some men—especially those raised in polygamous traditions.
Marriage, Fame, and Public Scrutiny
RMD is currently married to former TV personality Jumobi Adegbesan. The couple tied the knot in 2000, four years after the death of his first wife, popular broadcaster May Ellen ‘MEE’ Mofe-Damijo, in 1996. Despite the public nature of his career, RMD has kept his private life largely out of the limelight, maintaining a reputation for dignity and discretion.
His marriage to Jumobi has endured for over two decades—an achievement in itself in an industry often plagued by scandal and divorce.
However, his latest remarks hint at a more complex view of marital commitment. For many fans, this is a reminder that even seemingly traditional monogamous marriages can co-exist with deeper, more nuanced opinions about love and relationships.
Public Reaction: A Mix of Praise and Criticism
Unsurprisingly, RMD’s candid comments have triggered widespread reactions online. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, users shared a wide spectrum of opinions.
Some applauded his honesty and praised him for expressing a culturally relevant truth, especially in a society where polygamy—though declining—is still practiced both formally and informally.
“RMD just said what many men are thinking but don’t have the courage to say. At least he’s being real,” one user posted.
Others, however, criticized the statement as outdated and potentially insensitive, especially considering his influential status.
“It’s disappointing to hear this from someone like RMD. There’s nothing ‘unfair’ about commitment,” another user wrote.
Several women also weighed in, pointing out that polygamy often leads to emotional neglect, jealousy, and financial strain—challenges that are rarely discussed openly in traditional settings.
Polygamy in Modern Nigeria: Fading Tradition or Persistent Reality?
RMD’s comments have reignited public discourse about polygamy in contemporary Nigeria. While legally permissible under customary and Islamic law, polygamy has seen a decline in urban centers and among younger generations, many of whom prefer monogamous unions modeled after Western ideals.
Still, it remains a deeply rooted part of the cultural fabric in various regions. For some, it’s a practical solution to social and economic challenges; for others, it’s a controversial practice that perpetuates inequality and reinforces patriarchal norms.
Religious views on polygamy also vary. In Islamic communities, a man may marry up to four wives under specific conditions, whereas Christianity—particularly in its modern practice in Nigeria—often frowns upon the practice.
Why RMD’s Opinion Matters
As a veteran entertainer and former commissioner for culture and tourism in Delta State, RMD’s voice carries weight in Nigerian society. His willingness to speak openly about sensitive topics like marriage, polygamy, and male desire lends a layer of authenticity to his public persona.
It also reflects a broader trend in Nollywood, where celebrities are increasingly using podcast platforms to address taboo or misunderstood issues without the filter of mainstream media.
The Curiosity Made Me Ask show itself has become a space where celebrities reveal previously untold personal truths, creating viral moments and opening up national conversations.
Final Thoughts
RMD’s statement—“It is unfair to be married to just one woman”—may sound controversial, but it highlights the tension between traditional values and modern expectations in relationships. It invites both men and women to reflect on the evolving definitions of commitment, satisfaction, and fairness in love.
Whether viewed as bold honesty or regressive thinking, one thing is certain: Richard Mofe-Damijo has once again proven his ability to stir meaningful conversations beyond the silver screen.
