A birthday wish from Nollywood star Frederick Leonard to his colleague, actress Sarian Martin, has set social media ablaze with intense debate. The actor's choice of words, specifically referring to Martin as 'my property,' has drawn mixed reactions from fans and reignited conversations about his marriage to fellow actress Peggy Ovire.
The Controversial Birthday Post
On his official Instagram page, Frederick Leonard shared a celebratory post for the fast-rising actress Sarian Martin. He described her as his 'darling' and, notably, his 'property,' while also praising her as a 'shining star' and offering prayers for her success.
The actor's exact caption read: 'My Salo Baby.. My PROPERTY‼️ You are a Shining Star May God continue to bless and increase you in all Areas. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Darling @official_queensari.' The post was shared on January 13, 2026, and quickly went viral, with the term 'property' becoming a major point of contention.
Mixed Reactions and Fan Theories
The online community was immediately divided. While some interpreted the message as a harmless, playful term of endearment, others found the wording to be inappropriate and possessive.
However, a significant number of fans rushed to Leonard's defense, offering crucial context. They pointed out that 'My Property' is the title of a movie that both Frederick Leonard and Sarian Martin starred in together. These fans argued that the actor was simply referencing their professional collaboration and that the outrage was misplaced.
Comments like 'My property na movie wey two of them act oo' and 'if Una dey watch his movies u will understand' flooded the comment section, urging critics to 'rest' and stop creating confusion.
Reviving Conversations About His Marriage
Beyond the immediate post, the birthday message inadvertently brought Frederick Leonard's marriage back into the spotlight. Observant fans noted that the actor did not publicly celebrate his wife, Peggy Ovire, on her most recent birthday, a contrast that had previously sparked speculation.
Frederick Leonard and Peggy Ovire tied the knot in a lavish, star-studded ceremony in Asaba, Delta State, on November 19, 2022. Since then, their union has faced intense public scrutiny, with recurring rumours of marital tension. In December 2023, Leonard was forced to address allegations of marital issues, warning bloggers against spreading false rumours and asserting that his marriage was 'not slavery.'
Peggy Ovire has also had to confront public speculation. In 2024, she responded to trolls after appearing in a video without her wedding ring, dismissing claims that she forced Frederick into marriage and affirming her own worth and success.
Interestingly, amidst this latest controversy, a past report resurfaced where Peggy Ovire gushed over her husband on their wedding anniversary, calling him a 'perfect husband' and expressing gratitude for his love and care.
Other Revelations and Final Thoughts
The online discourse also unveiled personal details about Sarian Martin. Some users claimed that the actress is secretly married with two children and that her husband is a financially established individual. They stated that she deliberately keeps her family life private, which leads some to mistakenly believe she is single.
This incident highlights the delicate balance celebrities must maintain between sharing affectionate moments with colleagues and navigating public perception. It also underscores how a single social media post can trigger a chain reaction of analysis, reviving old narratives and putting personal relationships under the microscope.
While the 'movie title' defense has calmed some of the initial fury, the episode has successfully generated significant buzz, proving once again that in the world of Nollywood and social media, every word is subject to intense public interpretation.
