Nigerian stand-up comedian and talk show personality, Teju Babyface, recently ignited a fierce online conversation after advising married men not to confess infidelity to their wives—a stance he believes can do more harm than good. His position, described as both “catastrophic” and “selfish,” has polarised social media, sparking discussions about cultural expectations, religious conviction, and the intricate nature of marital trust in Nigeria and across West Africa.
“If you cheat on your wife or your husband, but especially your wife. Especially men, if you cheat on your wife, don’t tell her. Don’t confess. Do not ever do it,” he stated emphatically.
He went on to stress, “It is one of the most catastrophic and damaging things you can ever do in your life.”
He claims that confessions are from man to God only
Teju Babyface argues that coming clean after an affair is not a gesture of honesty but, in his view, a form of emotional manipulation. He challenged those who cite religious doctrine as justification, saying many are misreading biblical principles. According to him, confessions for sins like infidelity should be reserved for spiritual interaction with God rather than for the ears of one’s spouse, a perspective that stands in stark contrast to common religious and cultural expectations in much of Nigeria and Ghana.
People will even quote the Bible to support the idea of confession. They will say that ‘if we confess and repent, then our sins are forgiven’. Excuse me, that is to God and from God, not to man. It is confession to God, not to man. Do not do it.
“You are not being honest; you are being manipulative. What you’re really doing is shedding the weight of your guilt, not helping your spouse. You’re looking for someone else to carry the burden of your wrongdoing,” he explained, voicing concern over what he sees as self-serving motives behind such confessions.
Teju Babyface once cheated on a partner and confessed
Adding personal context, Teju Babyface opened up about his own past by revealing an incident before his marriage where he cheated during a serious relationship. According to his account, he decided to confess, but he now regards that decision as a mistake—not out of honesty, but because, subconsciously, he wanted the relationship to end. This candid admission offered followers a glimpse into the complexities of guilt, confession, and intention when dealing with infidelity.
I can see clearly now that I confessed because I wanted out of the relationship. If I cheated and then confessed, and she left by herself, I could justify it to myself. That was not honesty, that was cowardice.
He concluded his remarks with, “The fact that you cheated once doesn’t make you a cheater. A cheater is someone who does it repeatedly. But if you stumbled once, learn from it and change your actions, don’t destroy your home in the name of confession.” This nuanced viewpoint has drawn support from some but widespread criticism from others who see it as encouraging secrecy.
Social media slams Babyface, accuses him of ‘promoting infidelity’
Unsurprisingly, the comedian’s remarks triggered a strong wave of backlash across Nigerian and West African social media. Many users took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to condemn his stance, accusing him of promoting unfaithfulness and a culture of secrecy. Comments ranged from outright outrage to more measured responses urging openness and transparency in relationships.
How about keeping yourself out of situations that could compromise your loyalty
What’s going on, sir? I’ve been your fan for over 12years. Are you promoting infidelity?
Rest, Teju Babyface. He that hides his sins shall not prosper. Rest!!!

I don’t understand oga Teju again ooo. Leave those who want to confess and those who insist not to confess jare. Let everyone use what makes them happy. Abi you’re using style to share your story!
Even though they get caught, they will still lie. Boss, don’t stress yourself.
This ongoing discussion has grown into a broader examination of transparency in romantic partnerships, particularly within the context of Nigerian and West African cultures. At the heart of the matter is a fundamental question: Is it always better to come clean and risk turmoil, or is withholding the truth sometimes justified in the name of familial harmony and stability?
The Cultural, Legal, and Religious Dimensions of Confession
In many African societies, marriage is revered, and fidelity is both a moral and religious expectation. Across Nigeria and Ghana, religious leaders, especially from Christian and Islamic backgrounds, encourage transparency and repentance. According to Pastor Samuel Adeyemi, a Lagos-based clergy, “Confession is key to restoration—not just before God, but also in mending trust with your spouse.” Nevertheless, Babyface’s views reflect an undercurrent of sentiment that sees silent repentance as preferable, citing potential marital destruction from revelations of infidelity.
Legally, there is no statute in Nigeria compelling a spouse to confess infidelity; still, family law practitioners note that deception can provide grounds for divorce or annulment. According to Abuja-based legal consultant, Barrister Fatima Musa, “Secrecy around such issues might bring short-term peace, but when exposed, it often worsens the outcome for both parties.”
Expert and Community Perspectives: What Do Nigerians and Ghanaians Think?
Local experts and everyday people are divided. Health psychologist Dr. Ada Eze notes that suppressed guilt and secrets can lead to anxiety, depression, or even negatively affect physical health. “Emotional honesty is important for long-term wellbeing,” she asserts. Conversely, some voices, especially among older generations, echo Teju’s message: “Not every truth is helpful. Sometimes, silence does protect the family.”
- Supporters: Some social commentators, pointing to the high rate of marital disputes caused by disclosure, say that confession in the absence of repeated behaviour is needlessly destructive.
- Critics: Others, especially women-led activist groups in Lagos and Accra, argue that Babyface’s advice undermines accountability, sets a dangerous precedent for men, and ignores the emotional pain caused by infidelity.
International Relevance: How Does This Compare Globally?
Around the world, reactions to infidelity and the practice of confession are equally nuanced. In many Western societies, honesty is deemed central to rebuilding trust, while in several Asian and African cultures, preserving family unity sometimes takes precedence. According to a 2022 Pew Research survey, over 65% of global respondents believe honesty is essential for healthy relationships, though nearly 40% accept that there are “exceptions.”
West Africa’s discussion underscores not only religious values but modern questions of mental health, gender equity, and evolving marital expectations. With social media amplifying such controversies, these issues remain central in public discourse, inviting reflection on what really makes relationships endure.
Conclusion: Balancing Honesty and Harmony
Teju Babyface’s comments have held up a mirror to Nigerian society—highlighting divisions between tradition and modernity, religious faith and psychological wellbeing, honesty and discretion. While many continue to debate the right approach, the core questions remain: Is true healing found in confession, or can certain silences be justified for the sake of preserving peace? Opinions are as diverse as Nigeria and Africa itself.
What is your take on Teju Babyface’s controversial advice? Should truth always be told in marriage, or can some secrets help protect relationships from unnecessary harm? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!