“I got into so many crazy relationships” — Segun Arinze

Renowned Nollywood actor Segun Arinze recently shared his reasons for remaining single for 12 years following the end of his first marriage. After divorcing actress Anne Njemanze in 1996, the 58-year-old actor took an extended break from marriage before marrying Julie in 2008.

In a candid interview with media personality Chude, Segun Arinze revealed that the period following his divorce was marked by confusion and difficulty in finding the right partner. He admitted to being involved in numerous relationships, both good and bad, before turning to God for guidance in 2007.

“I stayed out of marriage after the first one crashed. I stayed out of marriage for like 12 years before I remarried. I remarried in 2008. Not that I gave up on marriage, I was just really confused about getting the right person,” Arinze explained.

He recounted his experiences during this period, saying,

“I got into so many crazy relationships. Both the ones that were good, crazy, and bad I have seen all. That year, 2007. I cried to God and said ‘Father Lord I have had enough can you just give me a wife’. I said just find me a wife. I remember I cried.”

Arinze’s prayers were answered in an unexpected way. While attending a wedding where he was co-hosting with Julius Agwu, he noticed a beautiful woman and felt an instant connection.

“I asked my PA to get her number but he came back because he was scared. Julius Agwu and I were the MCs at the event. It was Don Chi’s wedding. And Julius Agwu said ‘My brother dey look for wife o’. When I sat I went to meet her, collected her contact and then invited her to a dinner. That is how it started. The rest is history,” he recounted.

Arinze and Julie have now been married for sixteen years and share three children. Julie, who is a lawyer, also serves as Arinze’s legal adviser.

Reflecting on his past, Segun Arinze remained reserved about his first marriage, stating,

“When that happened to me in 1997 I kept quiet. I did not say anything. I just let it go. Till date I said nothing and I do not want to say anything. I do not want to discuss anything about it. It happened. The shit will always happen. Everybody has a closet.”