Jide Kosoko opens up on family, says ‘I don’t support polygamy’

Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Prince Jide Kosoko, has set the record straight regarding his marital life, asserting that he does not support polygamy.

In a recent interview with the Honest Bunch Podcast, Kosoko addressed widespread misconceptions about his family structure, emphasising that his multiple marriages were circumstantial rather than deliberate.

“I’m not supporting polygamy,” he said. “I did not have four wives at the same time, oh. Don’t get it wrong because people are not getting it. I had two wives and then lost them under different circumstances. Then, I remarried another two.”

Kosoko’s remarks come in response to years of speculation about his views on polygamy, given his well-known large family. He clarified that his journey into multiple marriages was shaped by personal loss rather than a conscious decision to practice polygamy.

Speaking on how he manages family celebrations, Kosoko highlighted the role of financial capacity in his approach to gift-giving and festivities.

“It’s a matter of luck, oh,” he stated. “Don’t say that because I bought something for your Iyale’s son, I must buy for your son. You’ve lost it. That’s not how I operate. If I have money and your birthday comes, I’ll celebrate you. If I don’t have, that’s the end.”

READ ALSO: Jide Kosoko tasks producers to include other Nigerian languages

However, he stressed that parents must first establish a foundation of love and fairness among their children. “You must have shown love to all your kids first,” he noted, reinforcing the importance of parental responsibility in a blended family structure.

Beyond his family life, Kosoko remains an enduring figure in the Nigerian Yoruba theatre With a career spanning over five decades, he has starred in and produced numerous films that have shaped Nollywood’s evolution. His influence extends beyond acting, as he has played significant roles in industry advocacy and cultural promotion.

He has been instrumental in mentoring younger actors and has continually evolved with the industry’s growth, transitioning seamlessly from stage to screen and adapting to modern digital filmmaking.