Ned Nwoko justifies polygamy, denies assaulting Regina Daniels
Maureen Aguta
Senator Ned Nwoko has stirred another round of public debate after declaring that men married to only one wife “deserve pity,” insisting that polygamy provides “balance and stability” in a man’s life.
The Delta North lawmaker and billionaire businessman made the remarks on Sunday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also addressed recent allegations of domestic violence made against him by his actress wife, Regina Daniels.
Nwoko, who is married to four women, said polygamy is a natural and faith-based lifestyle choice that he fully stands by.
“It’s like standing on one leg — very difficult. But when you stand on two, three, or four, you’re more balanced. That’s how I see it. So, I feel sorry for men with one wife,” he said.
According to him, the Old Testament of the Bible endorses polygamy, a practice he believes strengthens family structures and promotes social harmony.
“The Old Testament does. I’m a man of faith. But that’s not what we’re here for,” he added, maintaining that he has no regrets about his marital choices.
“A man should marry whoever he wants. That’s the way it should be,” he said.
A Marriage Under Scrutiny
Nwoko’s comments come amid public speculation over the state of his marriage to Regina Daniels, who in mid-October posted a video on social media alleging domestic abuse. In the viral clip, the Nollywood star, who married Nwoko in 2019 at age 19, was seen crying outside her Abuja residence.
She lamented:
“In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. I can’t stand the violence anymore.”
The video generated widespread reaction online, with fans and women’s rights advocates calling for an investigation into her claims. Days later, Daniels appeared to assert her independence by sharing photos of a new mansion she said she acquired for herself and her children.
Her caption read:
“In my house, I am a Queen! I needed a roof over my head, so I got this for me and my family.”
The post, which attracted thousands of comments, further fueled rumours of a rift in the couple’s six-year marriage, which has produced two children.
Nwoko Denies Violence Allegations
Reacting to the allegations during the interview, Senator Nwoko dismissed them as false, describing himself as a calm and loving family man.
“Come on, I’m not a violent person. I respect my wives and love my children,” he said.
He suggested that the controversy was exaggerated and insisted there was no crisis in his home.
“People talk because we are in the public eye. I have a peaceful home, and my family is doing fine,” he added.
A Tradition Meets Modern Debate
Ned Nwoko’s strong defense of polygamy is not new. Over the years, he has spoken openly about his traditional beliefs, arguing that polygamy reduces societal problems such as infidelity and broken homes.
Born in 1960, Nwoko is a lawyer, philanthropist, and politician who has built a reputation for blending wealth, tradition, and influence. A graduate of the University of Keele and King’s College London, he has been active in politics since the late 1990s and currently represents Delta North in the Senate.
His marriage to Regina Daniels — once celebrated for its glamour and their lavish lifestyle — has long been a lightning rod for public discussion due to the couple’s nearly 40-year age difference.
Public Reactions
Social commentators have offered mixed reactions to Nwoko’s recent comments. While some traditionalists support his right to multiple marriages, gender advocates have criticized his statement as outdated and dismissive of women’s emotional welfare.
Family relations expert, Dr. Adaeze Ojukwu, said Nwoko’s comments “romanticize patriarchy” and fail to acknowledge the complexities of modern marriage.
“Calling monogamous men pitiable trivializes the value of commitment and partnership. Marriage should be based on mutual respect, not the number of spouses,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Despite the controversy, Nwoko remains unapologetic about his choices. The senator insists that his family system works for him and brings him peace.
“That’s the way I live, and I’m at peace with it,” he said calmly.
Whether his remarks are seen as an honest defense of cultural values or a tone-deaf justification of privilege, Ned Nwoko’s latest comments have once again placed him — and his marriage — at the centre of Nigeria’s conversation about love, power, and tradition.