'My wife is the head of my family' - Baba Elesho

Veteran Nollywood actor and comedian Adewale Adeoye, widely known as Baba Elesho, has sparked discussion by stating that his wife leads his family. The 67-year-old actor shared in an interview with AfricanAList that he sought his wife's permission before bringing his elderly mother to reside with them in their Lagos home, a decision that challenges traditional Nigerian family structures.

Baba Elesho recounted an instance where his mother, who had been suffering from an eye condition for years and was living with a younger sibling, expressed extreme discomfort with her living arrangement. "My mum said she would rather be thrown into the sea than remain where she was because she wasn’t comfortable there," he said. The actor immediately decided to bring her home but first informed his wife.

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My mum said she would rather be thrown into the sea than remain where she was because she wasn’t comfortable there.

He explained the importance of involving his wife in such decisions, stating, “I came to speak with my wife first because she had to know about it. You own the home, and your reactions matter. My wife is the head of my family.” Baba Elesho stressed that this approach does not signify neglect of his mother but rather reflects the guiding structure and values of his family, where respect and open communication between spouses are paramount.

The actor's comments have ignited conversations about family leadership, particularly concerning the dynamics between married couples and their extended families. While many Nigerian households traditionally position the man as the head, Baba Elesho's perspective offers a different model. He maintained that caring for his mother is a non-negotiable duty, but emphasized that significant decisions impacting their home are made in consultation with his wife.

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I came to speak with my wife first because she had to know about it. You own the home, and your reactions matter. My wife is the head of my family.