Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has sparked massive reactions online after revealing plans to divorce his wife in order to marry multiple women, a decision he says is deeply influenced by his upbringing in a polygamous home.
The award-winning director made the controversial disclosure while speaking at a watch party for his latest movie, Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens, where he openly discussed his views on marriage and legacy.
“I Am In and Out of Court Seeking Divorce”
In a viral video from the event, Afolayan stated that he is already taking legal steps to end his marriage so he can fully embrace polygamy.
“I am in and out of court seeking a divorce. I don’t mind the toll. So I can marry many wives now,” he said.
The filmmaker’s remarks immediately ignited intense debate, with many Nigerians expressing shock at the bluntness of his declaration.
Credits Father’s Polygamous Household for His Success
Afolayan went on to attribute both his personal existence and professional achievements to his late father, who reportedly had ten wives.
“Without my father, there wouldn’t be a KAP Village or even Kunle Afolayan. I am the seventh child of my father because he had ten wives,” he explained.
Encouraging men to embrace polygamy, he added:
“For the men, marry many women — or rather be involved with many women. If my father didn’t, he would not have born me, and that is the honest truth.
Life is short, death is constant. Everybody has a period. Use your period.”
Social Media Erupts Over Contradiction
Afolayan’s comments have triggered heated conversations across social media platforms, especially as many users recalled his earlier opposition to polygamy.
What He Said in 2021 Will Surprise You
In a 2021 interview, the filmmaker had strongly rejected the idea of having multiple wives, citing the emotional and logistical challenges he witnessed growing up.
“I would not want to marry many wives because my father had 10 wives, and I knew what happened throughout that period. It really distracted my father,” he said at the time.
He also referenced the difficulty of managing a household of 25 children, noting that language and cultural differences made family bonding difficult.
A Major Shift in Perspective
Despite those earlier views, Afolayan’s recent statements suggest a complete change of heart, with the filmmaker now crediting his father’s polygamous lifestyle for the legacy he enjoys today.
As the debate continues to trend online, many Nigerians are left questioning what prompted the sudden shift — and what it means for the celebrated director’s personal life going forward.
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