Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has urged couples facing resistance from a partner’s family to approach the situation with patience and genuine effort, rather than rushing to end their relationships. However, she warned that unions should be reconsidered if familial opposition proves impossible to resolve.
Speaking on relationship matters during an interview on The Morayo Show, which was shared on YouTube on Wednesday, Omotola emphasized the importance of trying to win over resistant relatives before making major decisions. She noted that some family members may initially disapprove due to preconceived biases or cultural differences.
“But, through life, through life, as a Omotola, I would advise that if the families of the spouse don’t like you, try everything you possibly can to make them understand you. But there are some parents that are just hell-bent on not going to like you,” she said.
The actress explained that certain relatives may already hold strong opinions influenced by ethnicity, personal prejudice, or other factors, making it difficult to gain acceptance regardless of the efforts made.
“There is nothing you’re going to do. They already have prejudices, you know, they’ve decided that maybe they don’t like you because you’re from a particular place in Nigeria or the world, or they already have their own opinions,” she added.
Omotola also cautioned that even families who appear to change their stance may revert to earlier hostility, emphasizing that marriage is challenging enough without unsupportive in-laws.
“Some might change their mind, even that is dicey, because it means that they might change it again. But my advice is truly, it’s not worth it. Marriage in itself is already an institution where you’re going to face a lot. It’s a lifetime journey,” she said.
She concluded by advising couples to carefully consider entering relationships where hostility persists, noting the added strain of lacking family support.
“So why do you want to start with people that already have some type of, you know, against you? You want to go in, in love, because every step of the way you’re going to need support. So if these people are not going to support you from the beginning, you’re going to have a very rough journey. If that’s the life you want, then good luck and go for it,” Omotola said.
