Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has weighed in on the growing conversation surrounding failed relationships and marriages, arguing that love itself is not the problem but the intentions many people bring into relationships.
Speaking during an interview with BBC News Pidgin, the actor said many modern relationships collapse because they are built on financial expectations rather than genuine affection, trust and commitment.
According to Emeka Ike, relationships lose their true meaning when one partner sees the other primarily as a source of financial support instead of a life companion.
He stressed that love and marriage remain sacred institutions and should not be blamed for the increasing number of broken unions.
‘Relationships Should Not Be A Meal Ticket’
The actor criticised what he described as the growing trend of people, particularly some women, entering relationships mainly for material benefits.
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He argued that using romance as a means of financial survival undermines the very foundation of love, which should be rooted in mutual respect, honesty and shared commitment.
“Love and marriage is not scam. But there are a few people that are hungry, that are using relationship as a meal ticket. That’s where it becomes a scam,” he said.
Emeka Ike further stated that people who pursue relationships solely for financial gain should not disguise such intentions as love.
“So plenty of girls are going into relationships because of what they want to get, wetin dey wan collect from the man. They should just go and be begging for money on the streets, not using relationship. Relationship is supposed to be sacred,” he added.
‘Stop Taking Advice From Failed Marriages’
The Nollywood star also cautioned young women against relying on relationship advice from individuals whose marriages have ended unsuccessfully.
According to him, successful relationships require patience, understanding and a willingness to work through challenges rather than walking away at the first sign of difficulty.
He maintained that couples should focus on understanding each other’s struggles and finding lasting solutions instead of allowing financial interests or outside opinions to dictate the future of their relationships.
“Good girls should not listen to those women whose marriages have scattered and they come online to give wrong marriage advice. People endure in relationship. They try to find out the problem of their spouse in relationship. People try to solve it. Don’t just be with them for financial gains,” he said.
Emeka Ike’s remarks add to the ongoing public debate about the changing dynamics of relationships, marriage and financial expectations in modern society, where issues surrounding love, commitment and economic pressures continue to spark conversations across social media and beyond.