“I’d rather marry a poor man than a rich one”

Eyiyemi Afolayan, daughter of Nollywood actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, has stirred reactions online after opening up on her views on relationships, wealth, and marriage.

Speaking during an interview with BBC, the young actress explained why she would prefer marrying a financially modest man over a wealthy partner.

Eyiyemi Explains Her Relationship Preference

According to Eyiyemi, money can sometimes influence how people behave in relationships.

She shared that she would rather be with someone who is hardworking and independent than someone whose financial position could affect commitment and loyalty.

“I Can Support Man, But I Can’t Feed Him”

While speaking about marriage expectations, Eyiyemi said she would not want to be solely responsible for taking care of her partner financially.

However, she added that she has no problem supporting her husband if he already has something meaningful doing.

In her words:

“I can’t build with a man. Why can’t I build with a man? You know men; they are ingrates.

If I marry a man who doesn’t have money and see money, if I marry him, he will stay with me, not because he loves me, but because he doesn’t have the money to flirt around.”

She added:

“I was born into wealth. Any man who wants to marry me must be doing something for himself. I can’t be feeding him, but I can support him.”

Actress Rejects Polygamy

Eyiyemi also made it clear that she would never agree to become a second or third wife.

According to her, she believes polygamous homes often come with complications and unnecessary challenges.

She said:

“I can’t be a second or third wife for any man. It is not because I am jealous or anything. A polygamous home comes with a lot of troubles.”

Speaks on Her Father’s Choices

Despite her personal views, Eyiyemi said she respects her father’s decisions and believes he should live the life he chooses.

She added that she and her siblings would continue supporting him regardless of his choices.

See below;

“I’m not against my father marrying many wives, he’s an adult and he knows what he wants. I can’t be a second wife or third wife to any man. And I can’t build with any man”

— Eyiyemi Afolayan pic.twitter.com/LD0UFsWHRK

— Big Uncle (@Usmanashafe) June 24, 2026