Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has addressed criticism over his portrayal of an affluent Igbo man in Omoni Oboli’s new movie, Love In Every Word.
Some viewers claim his character, Odogwu Obiora, presents Igbo men as “simps” who excessively pamper their partners.
Arukwe played Odogwu, a wealthy businessman who showers his girlfriend, Chioma (played by Bambam), with expensive gifts and attention. While many, especially female viewers, praised the film for depicting a loving and generous partner, some men argued that it misrepresented male responsibilities in relationships.
Social media reactions
On social media, opinions were sharply divided. Some viewers applauded the film for showing how men should treat their significant others, while others felt it set unrealistic expectations. One critic, an X user named Himp2million, strongly disagreed with the portrayal. He wrote, “Anambra men are not simps. Your movie is liked only by ladies who have always had the illusion of an odogwu that’ll spend his last dime on them.”
Arukwe’s response
Arukwe wasted no time responding. He defended his character’s actions and rejected the notion that generosity equates to weakness. In a direct reply, he wrote, “Taking care of your woman and spending money on her doesn’t make you a simp. It only makes you a responsible man.”
He continued, “How else do you show love to your partner if you can’t take care of their needs from the abundance of your wealth?” His statement quickly gained traction, sparking further debate among fans and critics alike.
Ongoing debate over male roles in Nollywood
This is not the first time Arukwe has faced criticism over his portrayal of Igbo men in Nollywood films. In 2023, some viewers accused him of exaggerating his Igbo accent in Funke Akindele’s hit movie, A Tribe Called Judah. They claimed his performance reinforced stereotypes rather than presenting a balanced image of Igbo culture.
Despite the backlash, Arukwe remains a respected figure in Nollywood. Known for his versatility, he has played a wide range of roles, from tough criminals to influential businessmen. His ability to embody different characters has earned him a loyal fanbase, but it has also made him a target for criticism when certain portrayals don’t sit well with audiences.
The bigger picture
The debate over Love In Every Word highlights a larger conversation about gender roles and expectations in Nigerian society. Some believe Nollywood should portray relationships in a way that aligns with cultural values, while others argue that movies should challenge outdated norms and offer fresh perspectives.
For Arukwe, his role in Love In Every Word was simply a performance, not a statement on how all Igbo men behave. However, as Nollywood continues to evolve, discussions like this will likely shape how male characters are portrayed in future films.
Love it or hate it, Love In Every Word has sparked conversations—and that, in itself, is the power of cinema.
Read Also: Uzor Arukwe: Why I keep my family out of spotlight
