Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has talked about how losing his wife Henrietta has had a significant impact on his life.
Speaking only to Punch, Jide Kosoko revealed how, following his wife’s death, his house was turned into what he called a “hotel”.
The actor talked about the psychological toll that losing his wife took and the unanticipated effects it had on his family.
“After Henrietta passed away, my home gradually turned into a hotel,” Jide Kosoko said.
Kosoko acknowledged that he felt driven to get married again in order to bring stability and order back to his family when he thought back on the difficulties he had to deal with following the death.
“I was tempted to take a second wife,” he added.
The actor, who has faced his share of controversies and false accusations, also addressed the hurtful labels that have been unfairly attached to him.
“I have been blackmailed many times,” Jide Kosoko stated, referring to accusations of involvement in money rituals and other baseless claims.
In light of his upbringing and personal convictions against polygamy, Jide Kosoko recognised the counsel of his physician, who recommended that he think about getting married again for his own wellbeing.
He finally married Henrietta and Alhaja Bimbo again as a result of this advice.
In his words;
“Have been blackmailed many times, but I sailed through. They have called me a ‘ritualist’ before, which means I am a murderer.
Initially, as a human being, I felt bad. But my skin is too thick for all that rubbish. Instead of feeling bad, I will go on my knees and pray to God to give His judgment.
“And I always see these people get their judgment. I don’t want to mention names. I don’t know anything about what is happening to Kemi Olunloyo and I don’t follow her on social media. Apart from her, there are other people who have rubbished my name in the past
“Becoming a polygamist wasn’t my design. With my upbringing, I am not supposed to be a polygamist.
Though my father was a polygamist, he didn’t marry the number of women I have married.
“My first wife, Sola’s mother, was working with the Nigerian Customs Service. She was not involved in my industry and then I would travel for two months.
“So, I was tempted to take a second wife. But unfortunately for me, in the circumstances I cannot explain till today, I lost two wives within a year.
You can imagine that! So, I decided not to remarry again, though I had girlfriends; I was a ladies ’ man.“Two of my girlfriends were very close to the house and my friends too would come with their girlfriends.
“So, we were almost turning the house into a brothel. Later, my doctor, a lady, visited me and advised me to remarry.
“She said it was the best for me, insisting that I was too young to be without a woman. I lost my two wives in 1992 and 1993 respectively, and I was not up to 40 then.
“I agreed to take a wife in the long run, but I had two women who were intimate with me – Henrietta and Alhaja Bimbo. Since I couldn’t say no to either of them, I married two wives again.”
