There’s a Shortage of Men” — Bimbo Akintola Urges Women to Embrace Polygamy
Nollywood veteran, Bimbo Akintola, has ignited widespread discussion after suggesting that women should embrace polygamy given what she describes as a growing shortage of “good men” and cheating becoming entrenched in Nigerian cultural norms.
Her comments have stirred reactions across social and traditional media. Some in agreement and others in strong opposition.
What She Said
Akintola made these remarks during a recent appearance on Talk to B, a podcast hosted by Biola Adebayo.
Here are her key claims:
• Shortage of men: She argues that there are not enough men to go around, implying that in some cases, it might make sense for “two women to share one man.”
• Tradition and culture: She reminds that in many Yoruba and other Nigerian cultures, polygamy is not foreign. Many in Generation X grew up in homes where men had two or three wives.
• Real-life examples: She recounted knowing women who actually preferred or welcomed second wives for their husbands—one to ease tensions resulting from mismatched libido; another reason was seeking peace within the marriage.
• Monogamy is possible, but requires raising men differently: If women desire monogamy, she argued, society must raise young boys with values that enforce fidelity and respect for women. Teach them responsibility, respect, discipline—the same standards often expected of girls.
