‘Why I Can’t Build With a Man From Scratch’ — Actress Eyiyemi Afolayan

Nollywood actress Eyiyemi Afolayan has revealed that she is unwilling to enter a relationship with a man who is not already financially established, citing concerns that some men change after attaining wealth and success.

The actress made the remarks during an interview with BBC Yoruba, where she spoke candidly about her views on relationships, marriage, financial stability and polygamy.

Eyiyemi, who is the daughter of renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, said her upbringing in a financially comfortable home has influenced her expectations regarding a future partner.

According to the fast-rising actress, she believes that some men become unfaithful or disrespectful once they achieve financial success, making her reluctant to support a man financially with the hope of building a future together.

Explaining her position, she said she would rather marry a man who already has a stable source of income and is capable of taking care of himself financially.

“I can’t build with a man,” she said during the interview. “I was born into wealth, and any man who wants to marry me must already be doing something meaningful for himself. I can support him, but I can’t be the one feeding him.”

The actress further argued that financial hardship can sometimes limit a man’s lifestyle choices, but that access to money may alter his behaviour and priorities.

Beyond her views on finances in relationships, Eyiyemi also addressed the issue of polygamy, making it clear that she would never agree to become a second or third wife.

She stated that her opposition to polygamous marriage is not rooted in jealousy but in her belief that such family arrangements often come with avoidable complications and conflicts.

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

Her comments have since sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians debating the realities of modern relationships, financial expectations in marriage and the challenges associated with polygamous unions.