Funke Egbemode Explores the Devastating Cost of Infidelity in New Intimate Affairs Piece

Tina and Otunba’s marriage was admired by many within their social and political circles. In church, Tina was often seen as the example of a responsible and devoted wife. She dressed modestly and elegantly, carried herself with dignity, and enjoyed the respect of many around her. Otunba, on the other hand, was known as a loving husband and caring father. Despite being a wealthy businessman and politician, he always created time for his family. They travelled together, attended social events as a couple, and even participated in church vigils occasionally.
Things, however, began to change when Tina started attending church alone. Before long, people began speculating about the sudden shift in their once admired relationship. Soon after, Otunba began attending parties without his wife, often appearing with friends instead. The rumours became louder, and eventually, he stopped attending church entirely.
People began suggesting different reasons for the development.
“Maybe he has joined a cult.”
“Perhaps he wants to marry another wife.”
“But Tina is beautiful and dutiful.”
“Maybe he wants more children.”
“After all, Tina has only one son and three daughters.”
Many people became deeply interested in Tina’s private life, mostly out of envy. Concern grew even more when Otunba stopped travelling with his family during holidays. Though he travelled several times alone last year, Tina and the children remained at home. Tina also appeared withdrawn, spending more time at her supermarket and less time in social gatherings. She began losing weight, and her cheerful appearance slowly faded.
Eventually, Otunba opened up about the situation.
“Tiwalade is not my son,” he said painfully.
The revelation was shocking. Tiwalade was the only son in the family, admired by many and especially close to his father. A DNA test required during preparations for the boy’s admission into a foreign school reportedly exposed Tina’s long-hidden secret, throwing the once peaceful family into emotional turmoil.
Despite the discovery, Tina remained in Otunba’s house and continued bearing his name. Otunba explained why.
“I still wonder how I survived the shock without suffering a heart attack or stroke,” he said. “For days, I was numb. The boy looks so much like my son that it’s hard to believe otherwise. After three daughters, I was overjoyed when we learnt we were expecting a boy. The day he was born, I promised to love and protect him forever. Years later, I discovered he belongs to another man.”
Otunba said he could not bring himself to punish the innocent child for the actions of the adults involved.
“I decided to keep the promise I made to him as a baby,” he explained. “But as for Tina, things can never remain the same. I no longer eat her food or share a room with her. Publicly, we may still appear together, but in reality, she is no longer my wife. She now lives only as the mother of my children.”
The entire situation, according to the writer, is a painful reminder of how one act of infidelity can destroy years of love, trust, and family unity.
The article further questioned why some married women take such risks, especially during their child-bearing years, warning that the consequences often affect innocent children and permanently damage marriages.
Funke Egbemode argued that no excuse can truly justify presenting another man’s child as one’s husband’s. According to her, while both men and women suffer from infidelity, men often struggle deeply with the emotional impact of discovering that a child they raised is biologically not theirs.
She maintained that cheating destroys homes and emotional stability, urging married women to avoid situations capable of bringing lasting pain and disgrace to their families.
In conclusion, the writer called on women to protect their marriages and avoid reckless decisions that could leave irreversible emotional wounds on spouses and children alike.

Copied: Conclave