- Media personality Frank Edoho addressed domestic violence allegations made by his ex-wife
- He revealed that the allegations of domestic violence put his career as host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in jeopardy
- His revelations sparked backlash from fans who felt that Edoho dodged the question and sidestepped the issue using clever wordplay rather than providing a direct and honest response
Netizens have questioned Frank Edoho's credibility after he addressed domestic violence allegations during a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo on his WithChude podcast.
On Saturday, January 4, Chude broached the sensitive topic, asking Frank Edoho, the long-time host of the popular game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (WWTBAM), about the allegations made by his ex-wife, Katherine Obiang, with whom he has three children from their seven-year marriage.
The interview exposed several sensitive issues in Frank Edoho's former marriage. Still, his responses came across as manipulative and gaslighting to many fans, who perceived his words as a carefully constructed facade rather than genuine accountability. Some argued otherwise.
Chude questioned, “There was an interview your wife gave at a time that she said, ‘No you were not friends’ that you had arguments but the one thing that a na should not do is lay his hands on a woman. The context of it was that she was indicating….”
Edoho cut in to respond stating, “That is even a small context because the thing that caused the delegation from my sponsor is that she was in a documentary claiming to be a victim of domestic violence.
“Let me put this in perspective. For 14 years I have not spoken to her in terms of endearment. The thing about me is that I love providing receipts.
“Anyone going through domestic violence should document it, and the offender should be punished. There was an incident before I got married, I was given a thunderous slap by ‘a female’ while driving because I gave a silent treatment.”
In response, Chude inquired, “If there is anything, you are the one who experienced domestic violence.”
Finally resolving to an answer, Frank said, “Not exactly, but I would say I experienced some.”
The conversation between Chude and Frank Edoho sparked backlash from fans, who felt that Edoho dodged the question and sidestepped the issue using clever wordplay rather than providing a direct and honest response.
Before the revelation, Edoho, speaking about his marriage with Katherine Obiang, described their union as a "mismatch" and acknowledged shared responsibility for their challenges.
"My ex-wife was my friend, and there were children involved. I think ours was a mismatch; I was young. When she got pregnant, I had cold feet, but I still got married. It lasted seven years, and in 2010, I left. Three years after, I remarried," Edoho explained.
He reflected on their relationship, highlighting the difference between friendship and marriage. "Being friends with the opposite sex doesn’t mean you should get married because that’s a different ball game. In hindsight, maybe I should have thought about it a bit more," he said.
Edoho emphasised, "She was my good friend, but I think it was love, too. I also think we didn’t look at each other very well before we delved into it. I’m not going to say it was only her fault; it was my fault too, but not in the way people were depicting it."
The allegations of domestic violence had put his career as the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in jeopardy. Edoho recounted, "When I left, I was still doing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Then all of a sudden, I was in the UK, and my boss called me and told me to come back to Lagos because the sponsors were hearing things about me."
"They said I’m not going to present this show anymore because of those rumours. I got on a flight the following morning to attend a meeting with them."
Edoho defended himself, stating, "Luckily, my boss knew everything because I’d been telling him about the altercations between us. I was also thinking about my children. They said I committed domestic violence and I’m a wife-beater. After listening to them, I told them I’ll tell them everything starting from when I was dating."
He continued, "By the time I reached marriage and the birth of my son and first daughter, two of the ladies were crying. I was giving accounts of everything that happened, and I told them that I had receipts. I said nobody divorced me; I took my suitcase and left the marriage."
Edoho has since moved on and remarried, tying the knot with Sandra Onyenuchenuya on April 2, 2014.
Nigerians react to the controversy of Frank Edoho's domestic violence allegations
TheRadar compiled some reactions below;
@lifestylesallday commented: “Too many talk still no straight answer to the question”
@sir_Cortez commented: “Small grammar wey Frank take argue with the wife the wife don dey shout domestic violence”
@ck_jk2801 commented: “You are not answering the question oh”
@goldenstallion commented: “No man who beats his wife, admits sha, it never really happened lo ma ma
@parentricksnhacks commented: “I have never seen any man who beats his wife admit it. Never. They will always lie.”
@ble.any commented: “Will an abusive man admit to it on TV? Especially one with much to lose..”
@nd_laurel commented: “Frank is a very diplomatic man, he intelligently diverted the question and managed to systematically shift the blame, that's the pattern.”
@layoniyi commented: “He looked unsettled after that question, I could see it in his eyes 90 #Eyes #Question #Reaction #BodyLanguage”
@First_seth commented: “Behind the smiles and laughs, people are really going through a lot 😢”
@chukwuxtian commented: “Women will always want to play the victim. Hear the 2sides of the story before jumping into conclusions,”
@hameedahadayi commented: “He was very abusive!!! Rather than nodding Mr chude I think u should also Invite hs ex wife Katherine to say her own part. Ds man here showed her shege! Videos and pictures were available dos days!!!!!! they were everywhere! I pray the woman comes out and speak.”
@Ajennyglad8 commented: “I have seen a lady almost destroyed a hardworking guy. This lady destroyed her clothes, used her hair pin to wound herself and called the human rights on the guy. It took their small girl for everyone to get to know the truth.”
@MR_GOOT! commented: “If you & a lady have a misunderstanding & she first you reach station balling out tears? Oti lo niyen......... Your Truth becomes invalid.”
@ocube commented: “I don't know why women try to destroy careers of men whenever the men leave them... If both of you aren't together anymore, can't you just go away silently like the man, always so pained and determined to destroy the man's career”
@jeneefar079 commented: “She could have lied and he could be lying right now...only God knows the truth! I pray they both find healing someday even though it's obvious they have both moved on!”
@saco_kay commented: “Pls, wotz d details of GBAM GBAM GBAM? broda talk true, u beat or u no beat?”
@victor_midara commented: “Always here 2 sides to an allegation before weighing in or drawing conclusions”
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