28th October, 2023
By Victoria Oluwayemi
Renowned actor Jim Iyke has suggested that delayed grief was the cause of his failed marriage.
Iyke spoke in an interview with Toke Makinwa.
Jim Iyke initially appeared reluctant to go into the subject of his marriage and divorce during the interview.
However, as Toke gently prodded him to share his story, he provided insight into why he believed his marriage failed.
He claimed that the issue problem was his inability to properly grieve for his late mother.
The actor confessed that he had postponed the grieving process, and when he finally confronted his loss, it had already done havoc on his marriage.
Iyke added that his mother held an extraordinary place in his heart, and her death was an especially devastating blow to him.
Jim Iyke recounted receiving the heart-wrenching news of his mother’s demise during a BBC interview, leaving him utterly shattered.
He also said he was constructing a house for his mother before she died.
Jim Iyke also revealed that he had to step into the role of the strong male figure in his family, being the only male child.
This, he said, left him with little time for emotional expression. While others in his family mourned openly, Iyke said he assumed the role of a pillar of strength.
He said it was after the conclusion of the burial ceremonies that he began to confront his own emotions.
Jim Iyke said he initially struggled to identify the source of his inner conflict until he found himself arguing over trivial matters, such as his mother’s belongings, particularly her jewelry.
He said his inability to part with his late mother’s possessions showed that his mourning process had yet to run its course.
Jim Iyke said his wife attempted to provide emotional support and love for him during the challenging period.
But he admitted that he was incapable of reciprocating her affections.
Instead, he admitted that he transferred the bulk of his affection to their child, which created tension in his marriage.
He said his wife was understandably jealous as he showered their child with attention at a time when she needed it as well.
In an attempt to address the emotional turbulence Jim Iyke was experiencing, his wife suggested therapy as a potential solution.
However, the actor said he hesitated, clinging to a traditional belief that therapy was not suitable for an African man like him.
Looking back, he said regretted not embracing the opportunity for professional help.
He said his wife eventually reached a breaking point after realizing that his mourning for his mother had left their relationship in ruins.
Despite the dissolution of their union, Jim Iyke speaks fondly of his former spouse.
He said he still cherished the memories of their time together and the partnership that the marriage offered.
In fact, he expressed his enduring love for the institution of marriage and his desire to explore it once more in the future, embracing the opportunity to be responsible for and share his life with another.