Jim Iyke Sparks Backlash After Claiming Single Mothers Cannot Raise Boys Into Men Without Male Guidance
NIGERIA – Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has ignited public debate after claiming that single mothers cannot raise boys into “proper men” without the involvement of a male figure.
In a recent interview with Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, Iyke argued that while women are naturally nurturing, they lack the structural capacity to instill discipline and resilience in boys without male guidance.
“A woman cannot raise a man. You cannot, you are not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly.
“You need a male influence—get your brother who is doing well, your father, or any trusted man. There has to be a male presence,” Iyke said.
Iyke’s remarks quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions online.
He insisted that boys raised solely by women often mirror the negative traits of absent fathers, lacking the firm guidance that only a male figure can provide.
“He is going to be everything like the men who left you.
“You need someone who will discipline him, say ‘No’ often, and put him through the grind” Iyke said.
To illustrate his point, Iyke shared a personal story about his four-year-old son during a family vacation in the south of France.
According to him, the boy was bullied by a group of white children who refused to let him leave with his own football after a game.
“My son is a horrible footballer. I do not know what gave him the idea—maybe because he is half Black that he could play football.
“They dribbled the hell out of him. He got tired of it and went to grab the ball. It was his ball. But the white kids would not let him leave with it.
“There was a scuffle,” Iyke said.
Iyke said his son ran back crying, prompting his wife to rush in. But he stopped her.
“I did not even act like I knew him. I did not turn. He dragged my shorts… I saw her rushing from the corner of my eye.
“That is the natural instinct of a woman to go help. And I told her, ‘Do not you dare come near him. This is a conversation between two men. Go back to what you are doing.”
According to Iyke, his son returned to confront the children, fought them off, and reclaimed his ball.
“He went back—four against one and won. He kicked some ass, pushed down the biggest kid, grabbed his ball, and came back,” he said.
The actor said he felt immense pride in his son’s actions, describing the moment as a silent but powerful understanding between father and son.
“Now the parent got up and said, ‘Your kids took my son’s ball. You did not lift a finger.’ Now he has gone back for war and taken his ball back. And now you are coming. I have never been more proud of him,” Iyke said.
He concluded by reinforcing his belief in the necessity of a father figure in a boy’s upbringing.
“I am not here to help you. I am here to guide you. I am here to protect you,” he said.
Iyke’s remarks have reignited conversations around parenting, gender roles, and the evolving dynamics of modern families.
