Eyiyemi Afolayan, daughter of acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker and actor Kunle Afolayan, has shared her views on relationships, marriage and personal independence, saying she would prefer a partner who is financially established rather than someone she would have to support entirely.
Speaking during an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the actress and filmmaker discussed her upbringing, career ambitions and perspectives on modern relationships.
Eyiyemi said her experiences and background have shaped her expectations regarding marriage, stressing that financial stability is an important consideration in choosing a life partner.
According to her, she does not subscribe to the idea of “building” a man from scratch, arguing that some men may become ungrateful after attaining financial success.
“I can’t build with a man because men can be ungrateful,” she said during the interview. She explained that a man’s commitment in a relationship should be based on genuine affection and shared values rather than financial dependence.
The young actress added that having been raised in a financially comfortable environment, she expects any future partner to have a stable source of income or a meaningful career. While she is willing to support a partner when necessary, she said she would not want to bear the primary responsibility of financially providing for him.
“I was born into wealth, so any man I marry has to have something solid doing. I can’t be feeding a man, though I can support,” she stated.
Beyond her views on marriage, Eyiyemi also spoke about her journey in the entertainment industry and the influence of her family’s legacy on her career. As the daughter of one of Nollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, she acknowledged the expectations that come with her surname but emphasized her desire to establish her own identity and achievements in the industry.
Eyiyemi has appeared in several film productions and continues to develop her career both in front of and behind the camera. She noted that while her father’s success has provided inspiration and guidance, she remains focused on building her own path through hard work and dedication.
Her comments on relationships have since generated conversations on social media, with users expressing differing opinions on financial expectations in marriage and the role of economic independence in modern relationships.
The interview offers a glimpse into the personal values and aspirations of the emerging actress as she navigates life in the public eye while pursuing a career in Nigeria’s film industry.
