Nollywood veteran Fali Werepe has opened up about her decades-long marriage, urging women to practice patience while taking a firm stance against domestic violence.
In a recent appearance on Talk To B podcast, the 65-year-old actress, whose birth name is Modupe Johnson, reflected on her enduring union, which has remained strong since she left her parents’ home over 44 years ago.
“We didn’t have any ceremonial wedding. Since I left my parents’ house for my husband’s house, I have not gone back till today. My first child is 44 years old,” she revealed, attributing her steadfastness to her family traditions.
“My paternal grandfather had only one wife until he was 120 years old. My father also had just one wife, although my mother died early at the age of 31,” she added, highlighting the monogamous values that shaped her outlook on marriage.
Acknowledging the challenges women often face in marriage, Werepe described marital life as demanding, comparing it to a battlefield while stressing the importance of endurance without tolerating abuse.
“The husband’s house, where many women go, is like a battlefield for most,” she said.
She emphasized that patience is necessary, but domestic violence must never be ignored. “I let things slide a lot, and that helps sometimes. It gets tough because some men are unfortunate. However, domestic violence is non-negotiable, so he doesn’t end up killing you one day. If he beats you, speak out and call for help,” Werepe advised.
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Reflecting on her storied career, the actress noted that she began acting in 1973 when the profession was frowned upon, producing as many as six films per year at one point.
“Back then, people used to say only wayward children go into the theatre. I started acting in 1973. Many of my story ideas came from dreams, and there was a time I produced up to six movies every year,” she said.
She also addressed how audiences often judge her by her on-screen characters. “I am a good person outside the script. We only act according to what is written. What surprises me is that people don’t notice when we suffer in movies, but when we play hostile roles, that’s what they remember.”