Veteran Nollywood actor Adewale Adeoye, better known as Baba Elesho, has declared that his wife is the head of his family, a statement that's turning heads in a society where men are traditionally seen as the heads of households.
The 67-year-old actor made the revelation during an interview with AfricanAList, where he shared how he handled a delicate family situation: bringing his elderly mother to live in his Lagos home.
Baba Elesho said his mother had been battling an eye condition for years and was living with one of his younger siblings. But she wasn't happy there. "The day I went to bring her from my younger sibling's home, I'd gone there to check on her and perform my duty as a son. My mum said she'd rather be thrown into the sea than remain where she was because she wasn't comfortable there," he recounted.
"It was on Sunday, I went upstairs to meet my wife, prostrated and told her I had a visitor. She asked who; I replied, 'Alhaja.' She asked what happened, and I explained everything. I told her that my mum said if there was nowhere else to take her, I should throw her into the sea, and that was why I brought her."
The actor, who has largely kept his wife out of the public spotlight, stressed that consulting his wife wasn't a sign of neglecting his mother. Instead, he said it reflected the values that guide his family. "I came to speak with my wife first because she had to know about it. You own the home, and your reactions matter. My wife is the head of my family," he stated.
Baba Elesho emphasised that respect and communication are central to his marriage, with both spouses having clearly defined roles. He insisted that caring for his mother remains a non-negotiable responsibility, but major decisions affecting the home must be discussed with his wife.
His comments have stirred widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the concept of family leadership. In many Nigerian households, the man is traditionally considered the head. But Baba Elesho's perspective offers a different view — one where the wife takes the lead in household decisions.
The actor, born in Osun State, has been a familiar face in Nollywood for decades, known for his comic roles. Despite his public persona, he's managed to keep his marriage private. His wife's name isn't widely documented in public records or media reports.