A recent statement by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Iyabo Ojo, has ignited a fiery conversation across Nigerian social media. The actress, who humorously declared herself the 'President General of the Single Mothers Association,' made bold claims about a significant shift in how society, and specifically men, perceive single mothers.
The Viral Claim: From Stigma to High Demand
Speaking at a colleague's social event, Iyabo Ojo asserted that the era where being a single mother carried a heavy social stigma is firmly in the past. Her comments, captured in a video that quickly went viral, suggested a dramatic reversal in fortunes. 'Gone are the days that being a single mother was a stigma,' she proclaimed confidently.
She provided two key reasons for this alleged change. First, she pointed to the success of children raised by single mothers, stating they are 'doing great things in life,' which makes their mothers more attractive prospects. Second, and more prominently, she emphasized the value of experience. 'Men are chasing single mothers. They are even begging us not to be side chicks. They want us to marry them because we have experience,' Iyabo Ojo stated. She added a message of resilience, noting, 'If a man leaves you, another man will accept you.'
Nigerians React: Support, Criticism, and Concern
The actress's perspective did not land quietly. It triggered a wave of mixed reactions online, revealing a deep divide in public opinion. While some applauded her for championing single mothers, many others criticized the message as potentially misleading.
A significant portion of the criticism focused on the personal implications for Iyabo Ojo, who is a mother to a daughter, Priscilla. Comments like 'Shebi u get daughter, do you pray for this lifestyle for her?' and 'The question now is that will she wish her daughter to be a single mother?' were common, questioning whether she would desire the same path for her own child.
Other netizens expressed concern that the glamorous portrayal might downplay the real struggles. One user commented, 'This is misleading tho. Young ladies if you una like listen. The pain under that smilie you don’t want to know . Please try and pray you marry well my sisters.' Another simply advised, '...there are some certain things you shouldn’t be saying in public pls.'
Context and Family Spotlight
Iyabo Ojo's comments come at a time when her family is frequently in the spotlight. Her daughter, Priscilla, recently married Tanzanian singer Juma Jux in a high-profile wedding earlier in 2025. The couple also made headlines for shutting down Lagos with a successful music concert attended by numerous celebrities.
Furthermore, the Ojo family showed their support for colleague Toyin Abraham by attending the premiere of her movie, 'Oversabi Aunty' in December. Toyin Abraham earned that nickname due to her active involvement in Priscilla's wedding planning. Their united front at the event was warmly received by fans online.
The debate sparked by Iyabo Ojo on December 20, 2025, underscores the evolving yet contentious discussions around family structures, gender dynamics, and societal expectations in modern Nigeria. While she celebrates a perceived victory for single mothers, the public reaction proves that the conversation is far from settled.
