Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has publicly advised her colleague, Regina Daniels, to consider leaving her marriage with Ned Nwoko if the longstanding allegations of domestic violence are confirmed.
In a forthright Instagram post, Jegede made it clear that violence is unacceptable, irrespective of the gender of the victim, and stressed that marriage should never be a place of abuse.
Statement emphasises safety, mental health and self-respect
In her Instagram message, Yvonne Jegede addressed Regina directly:
“Regina you are still very young, if there’s violence in your marriage, please carry your bag. There is never sugarcoating for me as long as violence is involved (both for man and woman).”
She further urged Regina to prioritise her sanity and the well-being of her children in any decision she makes regarding the marital crisis.
Jegede noted that:
-
Physical or emotional violence is a deal breaker, no matter who the perpetrator is.
-
The wealth, status or public image of a spouse does not legitimise abuse.
-
A young individual should never feel trapped in a harmful relationship because of age or perceived duty.
Addressing public reaction and double standards
In her statement, Jegede also chastised social-media users and colleagues who have responded to the situation with ridicule or dismissal. She pointed out the double standard when the victim is wealthy or married to a prominent figure, saying it should not affect how abuse is viewed.
She emphasised: “A young girl has come out to cry for help that she’s been violated in her home. And the first thing you people think is, ‘Are you not married to a rich man?’ If the man was poor, would it make a difference?”
Jegede called on the entertainment industry and the public at large to stop trivialising or turning abuse into viral content, and instead show empathy and support to those who speak out.
Context of the allegations and call for decisive action
The call comes amid fresh public scrutiny of Regina Daniels’ marriage to Ned Nwoko, as allegations of domestic violence have circulated widely. While neither the full details nor final conclusions have been publicly confirmed, the situation has prompted many commentators and fellow celebrities to weigh in.
Yvonne Jegede’s message makes a broader point: when abuse occurs, the first consideration must be the safety and dignity of the individual. She asserted that staying in a harmful environment is more dangerous than walking away. “You pick your bag and you go. You know, it is better for you to live to tell the story than for you to stay and die.”
Implications for Nigerian celebrity culture and domestic-violence discourse
This public intervention by a prominent actress like Jegede underscores a shift in how celebrity marital issues are treated in Nigeria—not just as gossip fodder, but as part of wider social conversations about domestic-violence, mental-health and power dynamics in relationships.
-
It challenges the idea that wealth or fame shield couples from accountability.
-
It encourages victims to take agency, rather than staying silent because of status or fear of judgement.
-
It reminds the public and media that support, not ridicule, is the appropriate response when someone signals distress.
Conclusion: Advice rooted in principle and self-worth
Yvonne Jegede’s message to Regina Daniels is clear and uncompromising: if there is violence, leave. Her advice is grounded in the principle that no one—regardless of age, fame or wealth—should tolerate a relationship that undermines their safety, mental health or dignity.
Whether or not Regina Daniels chooses to act on that advice, the broader discussion triggered by this stance serves as a potent reminder of the importance of self-respect, support systems and public accountability in relationships.
