Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has opened up about her decision to keep her husband, Mr. Ezerika, away from the public eye.
In a candid conversation on the Dear Ife podcast hosted by Diary of a Naija Girl, Kadiri addressed ongoing rumours surrounding her marriage and cleared the air about her private family life.
The actress explained that her marriage is not a secret. Instead, she chooses to keep it private to avoid unnecessary attention and drama. Kadiri made it clear that her decision is not about hiding her husband but about protecting her peace.
Privacy, not secrecy
Kadiri, who is a mother of two, said she and her husband share a close bond and attend public functions together. However, she prefers not to make their relationship the centre of attention. She noted that this approach has worked well for her family.
“My husband is not a secret. People who know me personally, know him. And for me, that’s enough,” she said during the interview. “I don’t see the need to prove anything to the public.”
She emphasised that her choice is based on a desire to avoid drama and unnecessary opinions from strangers on social media. “People just want something to talk about. If you put your relationship out there, they will judge you. If you don’t, they will still talk. So why not protect your peace?” she added.
She further revealed that, contrary to public perception, her husband is very much involved in her public life. According to her, they go to church together, and attend events, and he is often present at her personal and professional gatherings.
“We go to church together, we attend events together,” she said. “In the events I organize, my husband is always there.”
This, she said, shows that her marriage is not hidden. Rather, it is private in the sense that it is not constantly displayed online or in the media.
The actress questioned the idea that being married requires public validation. She expressed confusion over the pressure that comes with having to prove one’s relationship status to others. In her words, “I don’t know why I’ll sit down and be thinking, ‘What am I proving?’”
She added that there is nothing to prove to people who are not part of her daily life. For her, the opinions of outsiders do not count as long as she and her family are happy and secure.
The actress believes that social media has created a false sense of entitlement among followers, who expect celebrities to share every detail of their personal lives. Kadiri, however, is not swayed by such demands.
Ruth Kadiri has earned respect in the Nigerian film industry not just for her acting talent, but also for how she handles her personal life. She is one of the few Nollywood stars who have managed to keep their families out of the spotlight while maintaining a successful career.
By setting clear boundaries, Kadiri says she has been able to enjoy both fame and a peaceful home. She encourages others in the public eye to find a balance that works for them and not to feel pressured by public expectations.
Fans react to Ruth Kadiri’s stand
Many fans have taken to social media to support Kadiri’s decision, praising her for setting a positive example. They applauded her maturity and her efforts to keep her family away from online drama.
Some social media users also agreed that celebrities should not be forced to share private aspects of their lives just to satisfy public curiosity.
In a time when many celebrities share every moment online, Kadiri’s approach stands out. She remains focused on her career and her family, without feeling the need to constantly explain herself.
Her message is clear: privacy is not secrecy, and peace of mind is more important than public approval.
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