“I Chose Her Because of Her Truth” – Kazim Adeoti Finally Reveals Why He Married Mercy Aigbe Despite the Backlash

In an industry where glitter often overshadows grit, and truth is frequently sacrificed at the altar of fame, Nigerian movie marketer and IbakaTV boss, Kazim Adeoti, has finally spoken from a place of deep emotion and unwavering conviction. In a candid interview aired on Oyinmomo TV, Adeoti peeled back the layers of his controversial relationship with Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe, offering what many see as his most heartfelt and revealing explanation yet.

With his voice steady and his words carefully chosen, Adeoti revisited the earliest days of their working relationship—long before their love story made headlines and tore through the Nigerian social media space like wildfire. According to him, what set Mercy Aigbe apart from the crowd wasn't her fame, her stunning looks, or her undeniable acting talent—it was something far more rare: her honesty.

“I’ve known Mercy for a long time,” he began. “Even before we met physically, I knew her name. She was already a force in the industry. But it wasn’t until we worked together on the movie Hajia Jemila in 2011 that I saw who she truly was.”

Adeoti recounted a moment from that production that would stay with him forever. After issuing her payment for the role, he was taken aback when she returned to him to point out an error—he had overpaid her.

“In this line of work, you’re used to people saying what you give them isn’t enough. They always want more, even when they’ve been paid in full,” he said with a wry smile. “But Mercy was different. She came back to me and said, ‘There’s still money remaining.’ I was shocked. Who does that?”

That single act of integrity, he said, reshaped the way he viewed her—not just as a colleague, but as a woman of substance. In an industry notorious for its moral ambiguities and relentless pursuit of wealth, he found Mercy’s honesty disarming and refreshing.

As he continued to speak, it became clear that his admiration for Aigbe went beyond that one instance. He painted a portrait of a woman who not only brought experience to his projects but also insight, guidance, and a willingness to collaborate without overpowering his decisions.

“She’s not just an actress, she’s a professional. I always ask for her opinion—on scripts, on casting, on direction. And she gives it straight. No sugarcoating,” he added. “But she never forces her view. She has her own career, her own commitments. She respects boundaries.”

The soft-spoken filmmaker also addressed the elephant in the room—the backlash that followed their relationship going public in January 2022. Accusations flew, critics had a field day, and Adeoti’s first wife, Funsho, didn’t hold back in expressing her disapproval, calling out Aigbe for “snatching” her husband. For months, the internet buzzed with speculation, memes, and outrage. But through it all, Adeoti remained silent—until now.

“I didn’t come out to explain then, not because I didn’t care, but because I knew people would believe what they wanted to believe,” he explained. “But Mercy didn’t ‘snatch’ me. Our relationship didn’t start overnight. It was built over years of working together and understanding each other.”

He revealed that his decision to take a second wife was one he didn’t make lightly but stands by firmly. “I know what I want. I know what I saw in her. And I chose her—not just for love, but for the kind of person she is. Mercy is real.”

In 2023, Aigbe made another bold move that further cemented their bond—she converted to Islam, adopting the name “Meenah” and embracing her husband’s faith. At the time, many saw the move as controversial, with some critics suggesting it was purely symbolic. But according to Adeoti, it was a deeply personal decision driven by love.

“She did it not because I forced her. In fact, I never asked. She did it out of love and respect for me,” he said. “That’s the kind of woman she is. When she believes in something, she gives it her all.”

The love story between Kazim Adeoti and Mercy Aigbe may have been birthed in controversy, but it is clearly one that has depth beyond the headlines. In a time where celebrity marriages often play out like PR stunts, theirs seems rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and personal growth.

“She’s my partner, my friend, and someone I deeply respect. I know people will still talk. But I also know what I have. And I have peace with my choice,” Adeoti concluded, his tone filled with quiet confidence.

As the dust continues to settle around their union, what remains is a story not just of romance, but of two individuals choosing each other amid the noise, the judgment, and the glare of public scrutiny. Mercy Aigbe didn’t just win Kazim Adeoti’s heart—she earned his trust, and perhaps, most importantly, his admiration.

In the end, the man who could have chosen anyone in Nollywood chose the woman who gave back extra cash—not just for her beauty or fame, but for her truth.