Kazim Adeoti responds to backlash over his marriage to Mercy Aigbe

Nigerian film director and marketer Kazim Adeoti recently spoke out about criticism of his marriage to Mercy Aigbe, an issue that has sparked major social debate. The backlash began in January 2022 when Mercy Aigbe publicly announced their relationship, after which Kazim Adeoti’s first wife, Funsho Adeoti, publicly accused Mercy of “taking him away”.

Speaking at the National Film and Video Censors Board conference in Lagos, Adeoti defended his decision to marry Mercy, citing his Islamic faith, which allows for polygamy. He placed his actions in the context of religious practice, directly addressing the controversy surrounding Mercy Aigbe’s second wife.

Following the reaction of Kazim Adeoti’s first wife and the subsequent backlash against Mercy Aigbe’s polygamy, Adeoti stressed the importance of staying focused in the face of intense public scrutiny. “When you’re in the public eye, you can’t really control a lot of opinions and discourse,” he explained, stressing on resilience in the face of criticism.

Adeoti further added that “the most important thing is to stay focused and at the end of the day, the ends justify the means.” These remarks sum up Kazim Adeoti’s statements on his marriage and underscore his commitment to his family and professional goals.

Despite the controversy, Adeoti remains dedicated to his work in the Nigerian entertainment industry. His comments have reignited a widespread debate about polygamy, societal expectations and the private lives of public figures, sparking further discussion about the dynamics of high-profile marriages.