Why women in unhappy marriages should walk away – Nigerian actress

Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has urged women trapped in unhappy marriages to recognise their self-worth and leave relationships that no longer meet their emotional needs.

The actress, who advocates fairness and mutual commitment in marriage, also challenged men to stop making excuses for infidelity, insisting that faithfulness should be expected of both partners.

Speaking in an interview, Ogbodo argued that men should exercise self-control and take responsibility for their decisions rather than justify unfaithfulness.

She said, “I am an advocate for 50-50 in marriage. If you want me to be faithful to you, stay faithful to me. You just want (sexual) satisfaction? It’s a desire that you can control. You can control yourself; you are not an animal. Why can’t men stay the same? Why do men always make excuses for their failure? They always make excuses for their stupid behaviours.”

The actress further encouraged women to understand their values, establish clear boundaries and identify the qualities they consider essential in a relationship.

According to her, women should not remain in relationships where their needs are consistently ignored, stressing that self-love and awareness are important in making decisions about their relationships.

“First, you have to know who you are as a woman, know your worth, what you want and also love yourself enough. If you love yourself enough and know what your deal-breaker is in a relationship, and your wants and needs are not being met, then what are you doing in that relationship? I am not an advocate for suffering and smiling. If it is not working, you don’t have to die there,” she added.

Ogbodo also warned against the assumption that abuse occurs only when there is physical violence, noting that emotional and psychological mistreatment could equally undermine a woman’s confidence and sense of self-worth.

She said, “Abuse is not only physical. There’s mental and psychological abuse. When you start to make a woman feel less of herself, you are abusing her mentally and psychologically. You’re making her feel she’s not worth it; that your side chick is better.”

Despite her criticism of infidelity and abusive behaviour, the actress acknowledged that some men remain committed to the principles of marriage and healthy relationships.

“Some men are actually well-disciplined, they don’t do these things, they understand the ethics of marriage and good relationships,” she stated.