Cheating not a deal breaker for me, says Toyosi Etim-Effiong

Toyosi Etim-Effiong, wife of Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, has revealed that infidelity would not automatically end her marriage.

She shared this view during a podcast conversation with media personality Toke Makinwa, where she spoke candidly about marriage, faith and navigating relationships within the entertainment industry.

According to Toyosi, her stance is rooted in her belief system and a conviction that marriage should not be defined by a single mistake. She disclosed that she even started a prayer group for spouses of entertainers to support one another spiritually.

“Cheating is not a deal breaker for me. I even created a prayer group, the Wives of Entertainers Prayer Group, to pray for our husbands so that Jezebels will not carry them,” she said.

Explaining further, Toyosi noted that she sees marriage as bigger than infidelity, stressing that human beings are imperfect and prone to temptation.

“If my husband cheats, it’s not a deal breaker for me. I believe marriage is bigger than that, and I believe people are human. We are going to face temptations, so I will not leave my marriage because of cheating,” she stated.

She also emphasised the importance of love, resilience and open communication, adding that she would rather look beyond the act itself to understand possible underlying struggles.

“What if he’s going through some kind of spiritual attack? What if he’s dealing with something I don’t know about? I won’t leave my marriage just because of that,” she said.

Toyosi was quick to clarify that her comments were not an endorsement of infidelity, but an expression of her belief in forgiveness and the enduring strength of love.

Her remarks have since sparked widespread debate online, with many weighing in on issues of faith, forgiveness and personal boundaries in relationships. Some commenters also pointed out perceived gender double standards, arguing that men are often less tolerant of infidelity by their partners.

Toyosi and Daniel Etim-Effiong got married in 2017. Like many high-profile couples, their marriage has attracted public scrutiny over the years. Both have remained open about their relationship and faith, often sharing insights through public platforms.

Daniel’s acting career, particularly his romantic and kissing scenes in Nollywood films, has also occasionally fueled discussions about their marriage in the media and online spaces.