Uzor Arukwe, a Nigerian actor, has responded to criticism about his performance in the recently released YouTube movie “Love in Every Word,” which has generated a lot of discussion online.
The film explores themes of love, responsibility, and financial commitment in partnerships and has become a huge hit since its premiere, especially among female viewers.
Its portrayal of men, however, has drawn criticism from some male viewers, sparking a contentious discussion on social media for days.
Since then, the film’s critics have maintained that Arukwe’s portrayal of his character—a kind, giving “Odoguwu who fights for and spends money on his woman”—does not reflect reality.
The actor was contacted by an X user who criticised him for depicting Anambra males as “simps”—“people who try too hard to do what other people want, especially in a romantic relationship”—in this way.
“Anambra men are not simps. Your movie is liked only by ladies, who have always had the illusion of an odogwu that’ll spend his last dime on them.”
The X user
In response, Uzor Arukwe defended his character and the movie’s message.
“Taking care of your woman and spending money on her doesn’t make you a simp. It only makes you a responsible man. How else do you show love to your partner if you can’t take care of their needs from the abundance of your wealth?”
Uzor Arukwe
The film, as well as Uzor Arukwe’s response, has since reignited debates about financial responsibility in relationships, with many applauding his stance while others argue that financial provision should not define love or masculinity.
Netizens reaction as Uzor Arukwe responded to the X user.
“Odogwu has spoken! Someone said the rest are still asking what do you bring to the table.”
First commentor
“In the Movie, Odogwu parara wasn’t just a spender. He was a Good listener, he was intentional, he communicated his feelings, he was romantic, and he was reachable. So, those of you men who are triggered by his spending, biko OPEN YOUR EYES TO LEARN OTHER THINGS WHICH ODOGWU did. Which most of you don’t do in relationships.”
Second commentor
“I knew that movie will really get so many people who treats their partners badly triggered.”
Third Commentor
Priest Watches Uzor Arukwe’s Latest Movie on YouTube
A Catholic priest took to Facebook to share his observation after watching the trending movie, “Love in Every Word”.
The movie was made by A-list actress and producer, Omoni Oboli, and it has been a hot topic on social media.
In his Facebook post, Reverend Father Gabriel said that after hearing much about the movie, he decided to head to Omoni Oboli’s YouTube channel to watch it.
According to the priest, he was not disappointed as the movie was worth every minute.
While some people have said Uzor Arukwe portrayed the Igbo culture in a bad light, the priest said he enjoyed it.
He said the scene he enjoyed the most was when they carried Ogene to visit a lady just to collect her phone number.
“When I saw a clip of the scene where they carried ogene to go and ask for the girl’s phone number, I got interested. I had lost interest in movies some 20 years ago. And seeing many people talk about the Igboness of the movie, I finally decided to watch it. I went to YouTube and watched it in full. It was worth every minute.”
Father Gabriel
The priest said he liked how the movie encouraged everyone to be themselves and be authentic instead of trying to sound posh while speaking the English language.
“The major thing I like about the movie is how it encourages one to remain authentic with one’s culture, especially one’s native language and accent. If you’re an Igbo man, Yoruba man, etc, that’s WHO you are! It’s a blessing! Your language is your pride! There’s no shame in being Igbotic, you’re not an English man. The English people can’t even speak a word of our language, but we speak theirs, and you’re worrying yourself about ‘accent’!”
Father Gabriel
According to him, the worst thing parents would do to their children is to deprive them of their native language from childhood.
“I say this again, or if you make them learn it as a second language instead of as their mother tongue. The movie’s title is “Love in Every Word”. It’s highly recommended.”
Father Gabriel
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