Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has sparked a fresh conversation about modern relationships and the pressures of marriage. In a candid interview, the mother of one dissected a puzzling trend where long-term romances disintegrate shortly after couples tie the knot.
The Marriage Tag and Sudden Intolerance
Speaking with Naija FM Lagos, Yvonne Jegede pointed out a common occurrence in the entertainment industry and beyond. She observed that many couples who date successfully for a decade or more see their unions collapse within just two to three years of marriage.
"I think marriage is overrated," Jegede stated bluntly. "A lot of people who dated for 10 to 15 years, got married, and then broke up within 2 to 3 years. Sometimes, you wonder why such couples didn't just remain unmarried."
According to her analysis, the transition from being partners to becoming 'husband and wife' introduces a new, damaging element: intolerance. She argued that the legal and societal label of marriage itself becomes a problem, altering relationship dynamics for the worse by piling on heavy expectations.
Cohabitation Over Ceremony
Jegede proposed a radical alternative to the traditional wedding path. Her solution for sustaining love is to forgo the formal fanfare altogether.
"I think it is better to find who you love and just cohabit with them," she advocated. The actress suggested that avoiding the official "marriage tag" might keep relationships healthier and longer by removing the suffocating pressure that traditional unions often demand.
She implied that the wedding ceremony itself can stifle modern happiness, and a less formal living arrangement could preserve the original bond.
Addressing the Annie Idibia Fallout
The interview also touched on recent online drama involving fellow actress Annie Idibia. Jegede clarified the nature of their relationship after the two unfollowed each other on Instagram, a move that followed Jegede's public praise of music icon 2Baba and his wife, Natasha.
Jegede, who recently celebrated 20 years in Nollywood, made it clear that she and Annie Idibia were never close friends. She described their relationship as distant and primarily professional, dispelling public assumptions about a deep-seated rift.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Social media reactions to Jegede's marriage views have been divided. Some users criticized her perspective, with one asking, "Who wan marry this one ni..." while another noted, "But if she see husband she will marry."
Others agreed with her candid take. User Tunde_Vibes commented, "She's saying what many are afraid to say. The moment you sign that paper, the respect sometimes flies out the window. Cohabitation allows you to see the real person without the 'trap' of marriage."
However, some strongly defended the institution of marriage. Mummy_G_Official countered, "Marriage is a blessing. It's the people that have changed, not the institution. Yvonne should find the right man first before giving up on the tag!"
The actress also recently found herself in the news for apologising to May Edochie over comments made on Nedu's podcast. The podcast host, Nedu, later responded, stating he prefers guests who stand by their words "with their full chest."
Yvonne Jegede's interview, published on December 21, 2025, continues to fuel discussions about love, commitment, and the evolving definitions of partnership in contemporary Nigeria.
