Actor Jim Iyke has opened up about the end of his marriage, linking the breakdown to a difficult emotional phase in his life.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Jim said he went through a period where he lost his usual drive and excitement for life.
He said the experience affected his marriage, as he became focused on caring for his child while dealing with his personal struggles. According to him, he spent most of his time at home and directed much of his energy toward fatherhood, even though his partner was affected by the change in his behaviour and emotional presence.
The actor explained that over time, he became more present as a father than as a husband, which created distance in the relationship. He added that his wife could no longer relate to the man she had known before his emotional struggles began.
He said he was honest with her about what he was going through and admitted he did not know how long it would take before he felt like himself again. He said he asked for patience but also understood if she chose not to wait.
He said they eventually decided to end the marriage and parted on peaceful terms.
He said: “I lost my spark, and my wife suffered for it. And then I became an obsessive dad. I gave everything in me to my son. I was a proper stay-at-home dad.
“I became an excellent father but a woeful husband. After a while, she said, “I can’t find the man I married anymore.” I told her, “I don’t know what it’d take for me to heal and bring myself back.
“If you want to wait for me, I’d appreciate it. And if you can’t, I would understand. She said she couldn’t, so we shook hands and parted as friends.”
Jim Iyke is an actor and filmmaker known for his roles in Nollywood productions.
