“There’s a shortage of men” — Bimbo Akintola urges women to embrace polygamy

Veteran Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has called on Nigerians to reconsider their views on polygamy, describing it as both a cultural practice and a practical solution in today’s society.

Speaking on Talk To B, the 55-year-old film star argued that polygamy is deeply rooted in tradition, especially within Yoruba culture, where many households once accommodated multiple wives.

“With the way the world is going, people should embrace polygamy,” Akintola said. “If we don’t have enough men according to statistics, doesn’t that mean two women to one man? It is part of our tradition. Most of Generation X, Yorubas, and even our parents had two to three wives.”

The actress further noted that some women have actively encouraged polygamy for personal reasons. She recounted a case where a woman introduced a second wife to her husband to maintain harmony in their marriage due to differences in sexual needs.

Akintola, however, stressed that monogamy is also achievable—but only if families take responsibility in shaping the values of their sons. She urged parents to raise boys with the same moral and spiritual discipline often reserved for daughters.

“All these men we are talking about, who are polygamous and cheat, were raised by someone,” she said. “If you want a world where it’s one man, one woman, then raise your sons properly. Teach them that their bodies are temples of God, just like you teach your daughters.”

The award-winning actress also emphasized the need for boys to be taught respect for women, adding that parenting plays a vital role in building future generations of faithful men.

Akintola, who has starred in Nollywood classics such as Owo Blow (1995) and Out of Bounds (1997), has remained a prominent voice in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. She won Best Actress at the 2015 Eko International Film Festival for her role in Heaven’s Hell and was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards.