Nigerian movie marketer and CEO of IbakaTV, Kazim Adeoti, has opened up in a candid interview about the sincere qualities that attracted him to popular Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe, ultimately leading to their widely discussed marriage.
During a recent appearance on Oyinmomo TV, Adeoti reflected on how their relationship transitioned from professional collaboration to a deeper emotional connection. He described Mercy Aigbe as a woman who embodies truthfulness and integrity — traits he says are rare in the entertainment industry, which is often dominated by financial interests and superficiality.
Recalling a pivotal moment from 2011 during the production of the film *Hajia Jemila*, Adeoti said he was deeply impressed when Mercy returned part of her payment after discovering he had mistakenly overpaid her. According to him, this unexpected act of honesty left a lasting impression and distinguished her from others he had worked with at the time.
“Mercy Aigbe is someone that I’ve known for a long time. I knew she was an actress even before we met in person,” Adeoti shared. “When I got into the industry, I worked with many people, including her. What I love and admire most about her is that she’s truthful and straightforward.”
He continued, “I was used to people saying the money wasn’t enough. But in her case, she said that some money still remained. I was surprised. She’s a woman who still stays true to herself.”
Beyond her honesty, Kazim Adeoti highlighted Mercy Aigbe’s professional impact on his life. As an experienced Nollywood actress, she brings a wealth of knowledge that he finds valuable in his filmmaking journey. He noted that although she maintains a busy schedule, her input is crucial when he needs it.
“She’s an experienced actress, so there’s no way she won’t have influence. She knows what we do. I usually ask for her ideas, and she tells me what she thinks. She has a busy schedule, so she only interferes when I ask,” he explained.
The couple’s relationship became public in January 2022 and quickly drew public attention and controversy. Adeoti’s first wife, Funsho, accused Mercy Aigbe of “snatching” her husband, a claim that fueled heated discussions across social media platforms. Despite the backlash, Adeoti stood firmly by his decision to take Aigbe as his second wife.
In a significant personal development in 2023, Mercy Aigbe announced her conversion to Islam, citing her love and respect for Adeoti as the motivation behind the major life change. Her decision was seen by many as a demonstration of her commitment to the marriage and the values they share as a couple.
Their journey, though controversial, continues to be a topic of public interest, with many observing how the couple navigates love, faith, family, and fame in the ever-watchful eye of the media.