Veteran Nollywood actor, Jide Kosoko, has shed light on his experience with polygamy, clarifying misconceptions about his marital life.
In an interview, the actor revealed that contrary to public belief, he never had four wives at once.
“I didn’t have four wives at the same time o, don’t get it wrong because people are getting it wrong. I had two, but then I lost them. Then I married another two.”
Jide Kosoko
He explained that he does not advocate for polygamy, as every person’s experience is different.
The actor also highlighted the financial challenges that can arise in a polygamous home, using birthday celebrations in his home as an example.
“I am not supporting polygamy, not everyone can be this lucky. Do you know that in some polygamous houses where you have mothers with different children and one of the children has a birthday, we did it elaborately, but by the next child’s birthday, I wasn’t buoyant enough so we did nothing?
“My children and their mothers understand that about me, if your birthday comes and I have money I’d do it, if I don’t, that’s your fate. It’s a matter of luck with me.”
Jide Kosoko
He advised that in polygamous homes, it is essential to show the children love in different ways so that when something falters, they still feel loved.
“You have to show that you love them all by way of other things. That way when the love doesn’t come through material things, they’d easily understand that you’re broke.”
Jide Kosoko
Jide Kosoko on Sex-For-Role Scandal in Nollywood
The veteran Nollywood actor weighed in on the long-debated issue of sex-for-role in the Nigerian film industry, making it clear that while such propositions may exist, no one is forced into them.
Jide Kosoko challenged the narrative of coercion, asserting that actors and actresses always have the power to say no.
“If anybody introduces anything to you, if you’re not interested, say no,” Jide Kosoko stated, emphasizing personal responsibility in such scenarios.
Shedding more light on the matter, he revealed that some aspiring actresses knowingly enter the industry with the intent to use sexual favors as a shortcut to fame. “I know some ladies that equally come into the industry with the determination that, by the time ‘I sleep with this and sleep with that, I will get my name,’” he revealed.
Despite acknowledging the prevalence of these unethical practices, Jide Kosoko was firm in his stance that no one can be forced into compromising situations unless they willingly accept. “If I said I need you to warm my bed so that I can give you a role, and you said no, they cannot force you to do it,” he declared.
Wrapping up his position, the Nollywood legend admitted that such demands are inappropriate, but ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the individuals involved. His message to aspiring actors is, “Draw the line, take a stand, and never trade your dignity for roles.”
Jide Kosoko’s Acting Career Reunites Divorced Parents
The veteran Nollywood actor opened up about his tumultuous childhood, revealing how he was once a notorious rascal whose behavior alienated him from peers and alarmed his parents.
The actor shared deeply personal stories of his rebellious past, the discipline he received at home, and the unexpected role that theatre played in reforming him.
Born into a royal family, Jide Kosoko was expected to uphold a certain level of dignity, but his youthful years told a different story.
He described himself as a defiant child, constantly testing boundaries, which made his parents resort to various forms of discipline in hopes of setting him straight. His notoriety was so widespread that other parents in his neighbourhood warned their children to stay away from him.
Yet, despite his wild nature, one moment of recognition changed everything. As a young boy, he had the opportunity to perform on live television, and the experience left an indelible mark on him.
“I got down from the bus, heading home, when I saw children and even adults pointing at me, saying, ‘We have seen you, we have seen you on TV!’ That was the moment I realized that this was what I wanted for the rest of my life. I walked home feeling like a champion.”
Jide Kosoko
But the homecoming celebration was short-lived. Instead of praise, he was met with the most severe beating of his life. His parents, particularly his mother, were furious that he had gone on television without their permission.
His father, a strict royal, reminded him that as a prince, he was supposed to be entertained, not the entertainer.
Just when he thought the punishment would never end, fate intervened. Baba Ehund, a well-respected figure in their community, drove past in his car.
The same parents who had been punishing Kosoko suddenly turned their attention to the influential man, excitedly greeting him.
It was at that moment that an observer, known as Uncle Jacobs, made a profound statement: “You are beating this boy because he is trying to emulate that man, yet you have left him to go and celebrate that man.”
That remark caused a shift in perception. Rather than completely discouraging his interest in acting, his family gave him strict conditions: he had to balance his passion with discipline. He had to attend school, go to lessons, and participate in religious activities if he wanted to continue acting.
“Theater changed my life completely. I started behaving well. Some of the same parents who had warned their children to avoid me started using me as an example of good behavior.”
Jide Kosoko
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