By AUSTIN OYIBODE
A major controversy has emerged on social media following a viral video by Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, in which she accused her son-in-law, Senator Ned Nwoko, of betrayal and ingratitude.
In the emotional video, Rita Daniels alleged that her daughter contributed $50,000 to Ned Nwoko’s senatorial campaign and played a key role in reviving his political and social prominence. She further insinuated that Nwoko’s fame and success were largely tied to Regina’s influence and their family’s support.
The video immediately sparked intense public debate, drawing reactions from political figures, social commentators, and social media influencers.
Public Outrage and Counterclaims
Among the most vocal respondents was the controversial activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), who dismissed Rita Daniels’ claims as “false and manipulative.”
He argued that Senator Nwoko had been an accomplished lawyer, politician, and billionaire long before his marriage to Regina Daniels.
“If Ned was not a billionaire, you would never have gone close to him,” VDM declared, accusing Rita Daniels of materialism and claiming she prioritized wealth over her daughter’s emotional well-being.
He further maintained that Nwoko’s affection for Regina was genuine and that attempts to portray him as dependent on her were “misleading and unfair.”
Nwoko’s Track Record and Achievements
Several commentators backed VDM’s position, citing verifiable records of Ned Nwoko’s achievements long before his marriage to Regina.
Godfrey Chiadi recounted the senator’s early political and professional career, his tenure in the House of Representatives (1999–2003), his pivotal role in the Paris Club refund negotiations, and his call to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, England and Wales.
Chiadi also noted that Nwoko founded the Sports University, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, and had amassed significant wealth and global recognition years before Regina’s emergence as a movie star.
Similarly, political figures including Ossai Ovie Success and Hon. Felix Olodu condemned Rita Daniels’ allegations as “disrespectful and historically inaccurate.”
Ossai stated that Nwoko’s senatorial victory was a result of his political strength and the support of Delta North PDP members, not Regina’s popularity. Hon. Olodu added that Nwoko was already a lawmaker and billionaire in 1999 “when Regina Daniels was still a toddler.”
Insider Perspectives
Adding context, public commentator Ugaga Talks, who claimed to have worked with the senator, alleged that Rita Daniels first introduced Regina to Nwoko while seeking a scholarship from the Ned Nwoko Foundation.
He claimed that before Nwoko’s involvement, the Daniels family lived modestly in Asaba and that his generosity significantly improved their circumstances.
Ugaga described Nwoko as “a disciplined man who lives a simple and principled life,” revealing that he had extended financial help to members of Regina’s family multiple times.
He further accused Rita Daniels of ingratitude, alleging that she benefited from Nwoko’s financial and political support, including sponsorships during her tenure in the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the PDP.
Wider Public Reaction
Public commentators such as Rich Kay and Dio Oghale Emeka Rex also debunked Rita Daniels’ assertions, labeling them “a distortion of history.”
Rich Kay emphasized that Nwoko had established one of the largest black-owned law firms in the United Kingdom and managed multi-million-dollar debt recovery projects, achievements that positioned him as a billionaire long before his marriage to Regina.
Dio Rex added that Nwoko had previously sponsored Rita Daniels’ political ambitions and helped advance her standing in both the entertainment and political scenes.
Influencer Tunde Ednut and other online personalities such as Igweh Okah Immaculate and Ogechi Cord echoed similar sentiments, expressing disbelief that a billionaire of Nwoko’s stature could be portrayed as dependent on his wife’s fame or finances.
Beyond the Feud: Broader Social Reflections
Beyond the personal dispute, the controversy has reignited debates about gender politics, materialism, and social media narratives in Nigeria.
Some analysts accused the public of practicing “selective feminism,” siding emotionally with women in disputes without verifying facts. Others observed that the episode reflects a wider societal tendency to equate celebrity visibility with political or financial influence.
While the online feud between Senator Ned Nwoko and Rita Daniels continues to stir public emotion, available records and eyewitness accounts overwhelmingly support the view that Nwoko’s wealth, political standing, and achievements predate his marriage to Regina Daniels.
The incident underscores the growing influence of misinformation, emotional narratives, and celebrity culture in shaping public opinion, and highlights the need for factual accuracy and restraint in digital discourse.
For now, public sentiment appears largely in favor of Senator Nwoko, with many Nigerians describing Rita Daniels’ remarks as “baseless, vindictive, and historically unfounded.”
