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Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial District, has addressed the controversy surrounding his marriage to popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, denying claims that he pursued her or married her when she was underage.
The senator’s response follows weeks of heated public debate over his relationship with the actress, which recently came under renewed scrutiny after Regina announced her decision to end their six-year marriage.
In a statement released through his Communication and Technical Action Team, Nwoko clarified that contrary to widespread claims, he did not marry Regina when she was 17 years old, nor did he initiate the relationship.
“For clarity, Regina Daniels was born October 10, 2000. If she has been married to me for six years, that means she married at 19 and not 17. The public witnessed her family giving her away in marriage,” Nwoko stated.
The lawmaker explained that it was Regina’s mother, veteran actress Rita Daniels, who introduced her daughter to him for marriage — a detail he said was witnessed by several people present at the time.
“There were witnesses to the fact that her mother personally brought her to me. I never went after her,” he added.
The renewed controversy began two weeks ago when Regina Daniels took to social media to accuse her estranged husband of domestic violence, claiming that she had endured emotional and physical abuse during their marriage. In a lengthy post, the actress declared that she was “done” with the relationship, citing irreconcilable differences.
In response, Senator Nwoko accused Regina of struggling with substance abuse, insisting that her erratic behaviour was a result of addiction and that she needed professional help. The back-and-forth between the couple quickly spiralled into a major topic of discussion on social media, with fans and celebrities taking sides.
Many Nigerians accused Nwoko of exploiting his influence and marrying the actress when she was still a teenager. Some critics went further, calling for his resignation from the Senate, arguing that his marriage to Regina raised ethical and moral questions.
However, in his latest statement, the senator insisted that the public had been misled by false narratives. He maintained that the marriage was both lawful and consensual, conducted in line with traditional customs.
He also emphasised that Regina’s age at the time of their marriage has been deliberately misrepresented by critics seeking to damage his reputation. “The records are there for everyone to see. Regina was not 17 when we got married. The misinformation being spread is simply malicious,” Nwoko’s team said in part.
Their union, which was formalised in 2019, attracted widespread attention due to the significant age difference between the couple. Despite public criticism, the pair appeared inseparable for years, often sharing affectionate moments online and attending official events together.
However, recent developments suggest that the once-celebrated relationship has reached a breaking point, with both parties exchanging accusations that have left fans shocked.
While Regina Daniels has yet to issue a formal response to her husband’s latest statement, the controversy continues to dominate online conversations about celebrity marriages, power dynamics, and women’s rights within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
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