“Her Honesty Won Me Over” — Kazim Adeoti Shares How Mercy Aigbe Earned His Respect Long Before Marriage

Nollywood filmmaker and producer, Kazim Adeoti, has opened up about the foundation of trust and admiration that preceded his now-famous marriage to actress Mercy Aigbe, shedding light on the professional respect that sparked their connection.

In a candid interview with Oyinmomo TV, Adeoti recalled a defining moment back in 2011, long before romance was in the picture, when Mercy starred in one of his productions, Hajia Jemila. According to him, it wasn’t her beauty or fame that first caught his attention — it was her uncommon integrity.

 “What I admire about her is her honesty and straightforwardness; it’s something I truly respect,” he shared.

The filmmaker explained that at the time, he was used to actors grumbling about their pay. But Mercy’s response to her compensation surprised him.

“After I paid her, she came back to tell me there was leftover money. I was genuinely shocked,” he recounted.

Despite advice from colleagues to keep his professional dealings strictly among male counterparts in the industry, Kazim said he took a chance by working more closely with Mercy — a decision that eventually reshaped both his career and personal life.

“Many people advised me to only work closely with men if I wanted to succeed. But I gave her a chance, and she completely changed my perspective. She’s not only a woman, a beautiful one at that, but one with so much integrity.”

Interestingly, Kazim noted that he never took the balance Mercy returned and chose instead to continue collaborating with her. That professional relationship would evolve over time into a romantic one, culminating in a marriage that has since stirred significant public discourse.

Their union became a major topic across social media in 2022, as many accused Mercy of “snatching” Kazim from his first wife, Funsho Adeoti. The backlash was intense, with critics questioning the morality behind the relationship. However, both Kazim and Mercy have since continued to stand by each other, focusing on their shared journey and deflecting public criticism.

Kazim’s recent revelation offers a softer lens through which to view their bond — one that was nurtured over time, grounded in trust, mutual respect, and a professional beginning that laid the foundation for deeper connection.

For the filmmaker, Mercy wasn’t just a love interest — she was a woman whose character, long before the romance, left a mark.