Renowned playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte
Renowned playwright and motivational speaker Uncle Ebo Whyte has advised individuals to avoid being forced into marriage to conform to societal norms.
In a video posted to his Instagram handle, Uncle Ebo, who has been married for 42 years, challenged long-held societal expectations about marriage, urging young people not to feel pressured into tying the knot.
When asked about the purpose of marriage, he said, “There was a time when everybody needed to marry. That time has changed.
“There was a time when there was a purpose of marriage. That time has changed. There was a time when we needed to marry. That time has changed. It’s not now,” he said.
Citing the Apostle Paul’s teachings, he said, “He who marries does well. He who does not marry does even better.”
Uncle Ebo also addressed arguments surrounding procreation and companionship, noting that family planning has shifted the role marriage once played in society.
“Because now we are saying there are too many people. Let’s control the population. Then there’s the issue of companionship. I’ve been married for 42 years. Companionship…” he said.
The celebrated writer also cautioned against romanticising marriage, describing it as a relationship that requires “hard work, patience, humility, and respect,” not just love.
“Marriage is not given to everybody. Not everybody needs to marry. Not everybody will marry. Marriage is not a magic wand. It may not deliver half of what you expect. So if you do choose to marry, do so because you’ve found someone with whom you genuinely want to build a life, not because society says you must,” he added.
Uncle Ebo concluded by reminding his audience that one’s value is not determined by marital status and that people can live fufilled lives without marrying.
“You are complete with or without marriage. Some of the most fulfilled people I know never married, and that’s perfectly okay,” he said.
ID/EB
Watch the video below:
