Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nollywood actor and outspoken social commentator, Yul Edochie, has ignited a fresh online debate after advising men never to kneel when proposing marriage to a woman, arguing that the act diminishes a man’s dignity and authority in the relationship. In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, April 24, 2026, the actor, who is also a known supporter of President Bola Tinubu, wrote: “Never kneel to propose to a woman. You are the king. You don’t beg. You decide.” The statement, which has since gone viral, has divided social media users, with some praising him for speaking against what they see as a Western import that undermines African masculinity, while others accuse him of promoting toxic patriarchy and disrespecting women.
Edochie, who has been married to two wives and has publicly defended polygamy, did not provide any context or personal anecdote to support his advice. However, his post came just days after a viral video of a public marriage proposal where a young man knelt before his girlfriend in a shopping mall in Lagos, an event that attracted both cheers and criticism. The actor’s intervention appears to be a response to that cultural moment, but he did not explicitly reference any specific incident. In his characteristic provocative style, he added in a follow‑up tweet: “A king does not kneel to anyone except God. If you kneel to propose, she will always see you as a beggar. Know your worth, brothers.” The comments have since been shared thousands of times and have generated heated exchanges between his followers and critics.
Supporters of Edochie’s view argue that kneeling during a marriage proposal is a foreign tradition that has no roots in African culture. They point to traditional marriage ceremonies where the groom typically pays a bride price and goes through family negotiations, but does not get down on one knee in the Western style. Some commenters noted that the act of kneeling places the woman in a position of superiority, which they argue is unnatural and could lead to imbalance in the home. “Yul is speaking facts. A man is the head. You don’t bow to your helper. She should be grateful you chose her,” one user wrote.
On the other hand, many women and progressive voices have condemned Edochie’s advice as archaic and insensitive. They argue that a marriage proposal is a moment of vulnerability and love, not a power struggle. Kneeling, they say, is a sign of humility and respect, not weakness. “The man who kneels to propose is not a beggar; he is a man who loves deeply and is secure in his masculinity. Yul’s mindset is why so many marriages are miserable,” a female commentator replied. Others pointed out that Edochie himself has been involved in a controversial marriage to a second wife, Judy Austin, which many believe was handled without the traditional decorum he now preaches.
The debate also took a political turn, as Edochie is a known supporter of President Bola Tinubu and has previously criticised Peter Obi and the Obidient movement. Some of his critics accused him of trying to distract from more pressing national issues, while his supporters defended his right to free expression. However, the proposal advice itself has largely remained a gender and culture discussion, separate from his political affiliations.
Relationship experts who have weighed in on the controversy have offered mixed views. Dr. Olamide Fashina, a Lagos‑based clinical psychologist, told this reporter that the act of kneeling during a proposal is a personal choice that should reflect the dynamics of the specific relationship. “There is no universal rule. Some women appreciate the gesture; others find it unnecessary. What matters is mutual respect and understanding. A man who is secure in himself can kneel without losing his ‘kingship’,” she said. Another expert, marriage counsellor Funmilayo Adebayo, cautioned against rigid gender roles, noting that many successful marriages are built on partnership, not hierarchy.
Yul Edochie has a history of making controversial statements about gender and relationships. In 2024, he advised women to “learn how to cook” if they want to keep their husbands, and in 2025, he declared that a wife should “never raise her voice” at her husband. Each time, he has faced backlash but has remained unapologetic. His latest advice on kneeling appears to follow the same pattern, reinforcing a traditional, patriarchal view of marriage that many Nigerians are increasingly questioning, especially among the younger, urban population.
The actor’s statement also raises questions about the changing nature of courtship in Nigeria. With the influence of Western media, social networks, and globalisation, many young Nigerians have adopted the practice of Western‑style proposals, complete with rings and one‑kneed poses. Others prefer the traditional route of family involvement and bride price negotiations. Edochie’s intervention seems to be an attempt to push back against what he sees as excessive Westernisation, even if his language is seen by many as extreme.
As of Friday evening, Edochie had not issued any further clarification or apology. The post remains on his X timeline, and the debate continues. Whether his advice will change any man’s behaviour is doubtful, but it has certainly succeeded in keeping him in the public eye. For the actor, controversy has become a reliable currency, and this latest episode is unlikely to be his last.
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