Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has opened up about the emotional challenges that contributed to the collapse of his marriage, revealing that he lost his passion for life and became completely absorbed in fatherhood.
Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, the actor disclosed that he devoted himself entirely to raising his son during a difficult period in his life, admitting that his wife suffered because of the emotional changes he experienced.
“I lost my spark, and my wife suffered for it. And then I became an obsessive dad. I gave everything in me to my son. I was a proper stay-at-home dad,” he said.
Jim Iyke explained that he eventually became a better father than husband, noting that the situation affected his relationship after his wife could no longer recognise the man she married.
“I became an excellent father but a woeful husband. After a while, she said, ‘I can’t find the man I married anymore.’ I told her, ‘I don’t know what it’d take for me to heal and bring myself back.
“If you want to wait for me, I’d appreciate it. And if you can’t, I would understand.’ She said she couldn’t, so we shook hands and parted as friends,” he added.
The veteran actor said he was transparent with his wife about his emotional struggles and uncertainty over how long it would take him to heal and rediscover himself.
His comments have sparked reactions online, with many social media users commending him for speaking honestly about his emotions, while others shared varying views on marriage, healing, and balancing family responsibilities.
One user wrote, “At least he was honest about his struggles and emotions. A real man!” Another added, “This is why communication and emotional support are important in marriage.”