Popular Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up about her marriage to Delta State senator, Ned Nwoko, saying her mother tried to stop her from getting married but could not hold her back. The actress made the shocking revelation in a video posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday morning, describing how her mother “held her down” for seven years before she finally went ahead with the marriage.
In the emotional video, Regina said contrary to public belief, her mother did not push her into the marriage or accept money from the 64-year-old politician. She said she took the decision herself because she was deeply in love, even though her family strongly warned her against it.
“For seven years my mum held me down. She tried, but I’m the one that has a coconut head,” the actress said. “I’m ashamed to say I fell in love, but I actually did and it’s crazy. Everyone said no.”
The 25-year-old actress, who began her career as a child star in Nollywood, said her mother and brother were against her relationship with Nwoko, but she refused to listen. She also appealed to Nigerians to stop insulting her mother, saying her mother had no hand in her decision to marry the senator.
“You all should stop saying that I married out of greed. We were not broke,” she explained. “What amount of money can a man give to a mother to get her child that is practically providing everything in the house? I was her only source of livelihood.”
Regina went on to describe how she even tried to harm herself at one point because she was determined to marry Ned. “My mother, my brother, and everybody warned me,” she said. “I drove out at night one day, trying to kill myself if I don’t marry Ned.”
Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s relationship first made headlines in 2019 when photos of their traditional marriage surfaced online. At the time, Regina was 19 years old, while Nwoko was in his early sixties. The union immediately sparked public outrage and debate, with many Nigerians accusing the actress’s mother, Rita Daniels, of forcing her daughter into the marriage for financial gain.
Nwoko, a successful lawyer, businessman, and politician, is known to have multiple wives. Despite the criticism, both Regina and Nwoko publicly defended their relationship, insisting that they were happy together. Regina later gave birth to two sons, Munir and Khalifa, whom she often features on her social media pages.
However, recent months have been filled with rumours of trouble in the marriage. Earlier this year, reports surfaced online alleging that Regina had accused her husband of domestic violence. The actress did not immediately respond to the claims, but her new video seems to confirm that all has not been well in the relationship.
In her Instagram video, Regina admitted that she regrets some of her choices. She said falling in love at a young age clouded her judgment and made her ignore the advice of those who cared about her.
“I’m ashamed to say I fell in love, but I did,” she repeated. “It’s crazy when you think you know what’s best for you, but you don’t. Everyone said no, but I didn’t listen.”
Her confession has sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans have sympathized with her and praised her courage for speaking out, others have criticized her for opening old wounds and involving her mother in the controversy once again.
Social media users have also been debating whether Regina’s new revelations are a sign that her marriage to Nwoko has ended or if she is simply expressing her frustration. Neither Regina nor Nwoko has officially announced a separation as of press time.
The actress’s statement has reignited public discussion about early marriage, love, and the influence of parents in celebrity relationships. Many Nigerians still remember how her marriage to Nwoko divided opinions across the country. Some people had argued that as an adult, she had the right to make her own choices, while others felt she was too young to make such a major life decision.
Her mother, Rita Daniels, who is also a Nollywood actress, has faced years of public criticism. In previous interviews, she insisted that she never forced her daughter into the marriage and only wanted her happiness. Regina’s latest statement appears to support her mother’s claim.
“People should stop insulting my mother,” Regina said in her video. “She did everything to stop me, but I refused to listen.”
Regina’s emotional confession has left many wondering what the future holds for the young actress. Once celebrated as one of Nollywood’s most promising stars, her acting career slowed down after her marriage. In recent years, she has focused more on her family life, social media influence, and brand endorsements.
If her video signals a new chapter in her personal life, it could also mark her return to the spotlight as an independent woman and actress. Many fans have encouraged her to seek peace, focus on her children, and continue building her career.
For now, the actress seems to be reflecting deeply on the choices that shaped her life. Her words paint a picture of a young woman who defied her family for love, only to realize years later that the advice she ignored may have been for her own good.
“I thought I knew everything,” she said quietly at the end of her video. “But I was wrong.”
