IK Ogbonna Speaks on Silent Power Struggles Affecting Some African Marriages
IK Ogbonna opens up on silent battles in marriages between strong women and African men.
The actor says unspoken struggles over ego and leadership often damage modern relationships silently.
Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has shared his thoughts on the battles for identity and control, a common issue affecting many marriages between African men and successful women.

Posting on Instagram, Ogbonna spoke openly about the quiet power struggles that can arise in such relationships. He explained that these struggles are often about identity, ego, and control, and not necessarily a lack of love.
He said what often begins with admiration for each other’s strength can slowly turn into unspoken tension.
Ogbonna wrote:
“One of the most untalked about issues in modern marriages. Especially among African men and powerful women, is the silent battles for identity and control. It doesn’t always start as conflict. In fact, it often begins with admiration. He is drawn to her strength. She is attracted to his confidence. But somewhere along the line, unconsciously, Ego meets ego, Pride meets independence. Culture meets ambition.”
He continued by explaining that most men in Africa were not taught how to lead with a woman who has leadership traits.
He said:
“Many African men are raised to lead, but not always taught how to lead with a woman who can lead too. Many women, especially those who have built their own, are taught to protect their independence, but not always how to be vulnerable without feeling small. So what starts as love becomes a power struggle. Not because they don’t love each other. But no one taught them to love each other’s strengths without feeling threatened. This is the root of many unspoken fights, resentments, distance, and ego wars. And sadly, many never talk about it. They just drift.”