Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has urged couples facing resistance from a partner’s family to make genuine efforts to build understanding rather than abruptly ending their relationship, cautioning however that separation may be necessary if the opposition cannot be resolved.
Speaking on relationship dynamics during an interview on The Morayo Show shared on Youtube on Wednesday, the actress encouraged partners to first try to win over resistant relatives through patience and sincere engagement, noting that family disapproval often stems from preconceived biases.
“But, through life, through life, as a Omotola, I would advise that if the families of the spouse don’t like you, try everything you possibly can to make them understand you. But there are some parents that are just hell-bent on not going to like you.
She explained that some relatives may already have formed rigid views influenced by ethnic background or personal bias, making acceptance difficult regardless of effort to win them over.
“There is nothing you’re going to do. They already have prejudices, you know, they’ve decided that maybe they don’t like you because you’re from a particular place in Nigeria or the world, or they already have their own opinions.”
However, she maintained that not all opposition can be resolved, warning that some families who initially appear to soften their stance may revert to their earlier hostility.
Omotola emphasized the need for careful consideration in such situations, noting that marriage is challenging on its own, even more demanding without the added strain of unsupportive in-laws.
“Some might change their mind, even that is dicey, because it means that they might change it again, But my advice is truly, it’s not worth it. Marriage in itself is already an institution where you’re going to face a lot. It’s a lifetime journey.
She concluded that embarking on a lifelong union without family support could make the journey more challenging than necessary, urging couples to carefully evaluate their decisions when faced with persistent hostility.
“So why do you want to start with people that already have some type of, you know, against you? You want to go in, in love, because every step of the way you’re going to need support. So if this people are not going to support you from the beginning, you’re going to have a very rough journey. If that’s the life you want, then good luck and go for it.”
