Nollywood film marketer Kazim Adeoti has addressed the public backlash surrounding his marriage to actress Mercy Aigbe.
Mercy revealed their marriage in January 2022, which led to accusations from Kazim’s first wife, Funsho Adeoti, who claimed Mercy had “snatched” her husband.
Responding to the controversies, Kazim defended his decision, explaining that as a Muslim, his faith permits him to have more than one wife.
In a recent interaction with journalists during the 4th Peace Ayiam Osigwe (PAO) Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference organized by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in Lagos, Kazim shared his perspective on dealing with public scrutiny. He acknowledged that as a public figure, controlling narratives or opinions about his personal life is nearly impossible but emphasized the importance of staying focused.
“When you’re in the public eye, you can’t control what people think or say. What matters is staying focused, and in the end, results speak for themselves,” he stated.
Kazim also highlighted funding as a significant challenge facing the Yoruba film industry. He stressed the need for collaboration and better financial support to produce high-quality movies that reflect authentic Nigerian stories.
“We have everything it takes to create great movies—original stories, incredible talent, and strong narratives. But the lack of adequate funding often limits how we bring these stories to life. Sometimes, we know the right way to do it, but without proper resources, it’s challenging to meet those standards,” Kazim explained.
His remarks underscore the broader issues facing the Nollywood industry while offering insights into his approach to both his personal and professional life.