Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has publicly responded to allegations made by Emmanuel Obasi, the ex-husband of actress Judy Austin, who claimed the actor blocked him from seeing his children.
Edochie, in a post on his social media account Friday, dismissed the accusation, saying the matter had nothing to do with him. “Some of my fans have reached out to me, saying, ‘pls allow him to see his children.’ In this era of social media, people prefer chasing clout and chasing social media money with my name, rather than doing the right thing. Tell him to call his ex-wife, if he wants to see or take his children, let them discuss it. He has her number. It has nothing to do with me,” Edochie wrote.
The actor’s statement comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding his marriage to Judy Austin, which has been a subject of public debate since he announced her as his second wife in 2022. The issue has sparked heated discussions about family, morality, and celebrity culture in Nigeria.
Reactions have poured in across social media. One user wrote: “This drama is exhausting. The children should be the priority, not social media battles.” Another commented: “Yul should stop deflecting. If he married Judy, he can’t pretend he has no role in this.”
Social commentators weighed in on the broader implications. “This case reflects how celebrity disputes spill into public discourse, often overshadowing the welfare of children involved,” said Lagos-based analyst Ngozi Eze.
Policy voices stressed the importance of child welfare. “Regardless of marital disputes, children have a right to parental access. Courts and social services must ensure this right is protected,” said family law expert Ibrahim Musa.
Fans of Nollywood expressed mixed feelings. “We love Yul as an actor, but his personal life has become a soap opera. It’s affecting his brand,” said Abuja resident Chinyere Okafor.
Stakeholders in child advocacy urged restraint. “Parents must shield children from public feuds. The internet never forgets, and these kids will grow up reading these headlines,” said activist Mariam Diallo.
The controversy underscores the intersection of celebrity culture and family disputes in Nigeria, where personal matters often play out in public view, drawing intense scrutiny and debate.
