Veteran Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has triggered heated conversations online after she made bold claims about cheating and polygamy during a podcast chat with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya.
Akintola argued that infidelity is not only common but deeply rooted in Nigerian society, stressing that “90 to 99 percent of men cheat by default.”
Her remarks came while reacting to a fan’s message about an unfaithful boyfriend.
According to her, cheating is not a modern trend but a cultural pattern passed down through generations.
“The majority of our men cheat. Your father cheated, sir. Sorry, I’m sorry. Your grandfather did. Polygamy, polygamy. Yes, my father has two wives,” Akintola said, insisting that polygamous traditions shaped the mindset of many Nigerian men.
She added that fidelity, as popularly discussed today, was not originally part of African culture.
“I don’t know where this idea of fidelity came from in Africa. The reality is 90 percent of our men cheat, it’s ingrained in them. Some even grew up following their fathers to see girlfriends.”
The actress urged women to face reality instead of clinging to ideals she described as “unrealistic.” Using American rapper Jay Z as an example, she noted:
“You leave one man because he cheated, you go to another, the same problem. Jay Z cheated on Beyoncé. Did she leave? No. So please, let’s talk about the reality we are facing.”
Her comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media.
While some Nigerians agreed with her cultural perspective, others criticised her for what they saw as an attempt to normalise infidelity.
The conversation has since reignited wider debates about polygamy, modern relationships, and whether cultural patterns should excuse unfaithfulness in today’s society.
