Nollywood actress Nkiru Umeh has finally addressed the swirling rumours linking her to colleague Frederick Leonard, delivering a calm but pointed response as the messy divorce battle with his estranged wife Peggy Ovire continues to dominate headlines.
In a new video shared on her Instagram page, Nkiru appeared composed while subtly addressing the intense public scrutiny and allegations. Captioning the video, she wrote:
“Uwa enwe nmeta (You can’t please the world). It is well.”
The statement comes after Peggy Ovire publicly accused her estranged husband Frederick Leonard of having an affair with a married woman with four children. Peggy claimed the woman, alleged to be Nkiru Umeh, even attended their wedding and that the two have been meeting secretly in apartments and hotels.
Read “You’re Sleeping With a Married Woman!” — Peggy Drags Freddie Leonard
Netizens quickly dug up old posts showing the long-standing friendship between Nkiru Umeh and Frederick Leonard. In a past birthday message, Nkiru had celebrated over a decade of friendship built on “respect, loyalty, and genuine care,” while Leonard replied that he would choose her again as a friend in his next life, calling her family.
Peggy Ovire and Frederick Leonard tied the knot in November 2022 in a star-studded traditional wedding. Their once-celebrated marriage has now collapsed publicly, with Peggy warning Leonard not to avoid their June 23 customary court date as she promises to come with receipts.
Read “Shameless Lots!” — Peggy Ovire Slams Freddie Leonard, Married Lover
Nkiru Umeh, a married mother of four, has largely stayed silent until now, choosing this short but loaded message to respond to the drama.
The saga has gripped the Nollywood community and fans, with many divided over the public nature of the accusations, the alleged involvement of a married mother, and the rapid unravelling of what was once presented as a solid union.