Regina Daniels was once Nigeria’s golden girl. As a child actress with undeniable talent, she won the hearts of many with her performances in Nollywood films, effortlessly captivating audiences. Young, bright-eyed, and full of promise, her story took a dramatic turn as she transitioned into adulthood—one that would ensure she remained a subject of intense scrutiny, for better or worse.
How It All Began — Marrying Ned
The backlash truly began in 2019 when news broke that the then-teenage Regina Daniels had married billionaire businessman and politician Ned Nwoko, a man several decades her senior. The 38-year age gap became a topic of controversy online, as she was only 18 years old at the time of their secret wedding, while Nwoko was 56. Moreover, Nwoko was already married to five wives before their nuptials—five! The internet exploded with outrage, and the backlash was immense.
Many accused her of choosing money over love. Not even her family members were spared the insults and rage, with critics alleging that her mother had forced her into the marriage as a means to escape poverty. In her defence, Regina Daniels stated in 2024, “When people think I didn’t have a choice and when people think Mummy forced me, not knowing that Mummy was against the marriage and my entire family said no.”
Others criticized the ethical and societal implications of such a union. Regina Daniels, once the beloved child star, suddenly became the target of endless judgmental articles discussing women, wealth, and autonomy. Since then, social media has relentlessly scrutinized her. Every move she makes is met with criticism, often mixed with envy, disapproval, and unsolicited advice.
See also: Regina Daniels Reflects on Achievements Ahead of Her Birthday Celebration
When she flaunts luxury items—cars, designer outfits, or extravagant vacations—she is accused of showing off her husband’s wealth. When she remains silent, critics claim she is suffering in silence. If she posts about her marriage, people assume she is overcompensating. If she avoids mentioning her husband, rumors circulate that she is unhappy. No matter what she does, someone believes she is either trapped, delusional, or desperately pretending to be content.
Even when the actress attempts to use her voice for societal issues, she is quickly shut down, perceived as part of the problem due to her husband’s political status. A notable incident occurred in August 2024, when Regina Daniels faced public backlash for condemning violence during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. In a video she posted on Instagram, she urged for peace amidst violence at the protest sites. Despite her good intentions, the response was swift and negative, with many Nigerians demanding she take the video down.
Regina has tried to convince the public that her marriage to Nwoko is happier than it appears online, but this view has proven unfathomable for many, especially given that she is wife number six. Recently, false reports circulated online claiming that Regina’s husband was expecting another child with actress Chika Ike and intended to marry her. Although these rumors had nothing to do with Regina, she became the target of ridicule online for days. The backlash intensified when her Instagram account was deactivated.
Now, her accomplishments seem diminished, reduced to merely being a politician’s wife or a trophy wife. But how can she win when all odds are stacked against her? The unfortunate reality is that she can’t.
