‘Side Chicks,’ Infidelity Destroying Homes, Says Egbemode as Achudume Blames Marital Hypocrisy

A fierce but insightful debate on the growing crisis of infidelity, “side chicks” and failing marriages dominated discussions at the 43rd edition of the Boiling Point Arena discourse, as veteran journalist, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, and renowned cleric, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, offered differing perspectives on the issue.

The discourse, which focused on the increasing collapse of marriages and moral decline in society, attracted widespread participation from listeners across several radio stations and online platforms.

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, who delivered the opening and closing remarks, urged Nigerians to revive discipline, morality and strong family values.

However, the highlight of the discussion came when Funke Egbemode directly blamed the rising “side chick syndrome” on what she described as the greed, lust and uncontrolled desires of many married men.

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According to her, society often unfairly labels women as home breakers while ignoring the men who encourage and sustain extramarital affairs.

“Many men are simply not satisfied with one woman. That is the painful reality,” Egbemode stated, insisting that emotional indiscipline and irresponsibility among men are major triggers of marital breakdowns.

She argued that some married men intentionally pursue younger women for pleasure, ego and social validation despite having supportive wives and stable homes.

Egbemode also noted that social media influence, materialism and the obsession with status have further glamorised infidelity among certain segments of society.

Her remarks sparked reactions when Apostle Lawrence Achudume responded with a different perspective, arguing that many hidden affairs and “side chick” relationships thrive because of hypocrisy and secrecy in marriages.

The General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church International observed that traditional African society openly accommodated polygamous arrangements, unlike the modern culture of deception and secret affairs.

Although he clarified that he was not endorsing promiscuity, Achudume maintained that concealed relationships and dishonest lifestyles have caused deep emotional damage in many homes.

He criticised men who publicly project faithfulness while secretly maintaining multiple relationships outside marriage.

“Discipline, honesty and the fear of God remain essential for building healthy homes,” the cleric stressed.

Achudume warned that sexual immorality, pride and poor communication are rapidly destroying families and exposing children to emotional trauma.

The contrasting positions of Egbemode and Achudume generated intense reactions among callers and online participants, with opinions sharply divided over the controversial issue.

While some participants agreed with Egbemode that men are largely responsible for fueling the “side chick” culture, others sided with Achudume’s view that societal hypocrisy has worsened infidelity and dishonesty in marriages.

In his intervention, Oba Matemilola emphasised that regardless of differing opinions, preserving the stability of the family institution must remain a priority.

The monarch urged couples to embrace sincerity, patience and mutual respect, warning that the growing collapse of marriages could have serious consequences for society and future generations.

The latest edition of Boiling Point Arena once again reinforced its reputation for addressing sensitive societal issues, leaving audiences with critical conversations on fidelity, morality and the changing realities of marriage in modern Nigeria.