Football Legend, Segun Odegbami Debunks ‘Egbamen and Polygamists’ Claim

Nigerian football legend and owner of Eagle-7 Radio, Mr. Segun Odegbami, MON, has debunked and clarified the Polygamist claim in the interview he granted The Nation newspaper and published Saturday February 5, 2022.

The former international said the headline of the publication titled “I’ve no scandals, polygamy is part of Egbaman’s life” presents aspects of misinterpretation as it gives the impression that he —who is an Egbaman from Ogun State— consents to polygamy as a common practice of his people.

“This is completely misleading, and it depicts a negative impression of the true state of affairs in my life,” Odegbami stated.

Odegbami clearly indicates that the headline was structured from his conversation between his father, which explains the position of his father regarding how a family should be.

“I had a discussion with my father 30 years ago on how I was living in Nigeria alone when my ex-wife and family were living abroad. My father suggested it was not healthy and that I should either join them abroad, make them return, or marry another wife. It was his practical suggestion what his Egba people would have done but I didn’t follow the counsel,” the renowned footballer said.

Odegbami, a former candidate for Ogun State governorship race in 2019, disapproved of the headline, insisting that he is not polygamous.

“To put the records straight: I am not a polygamist. I don’t practice it. I have nothing against those that do. I am a monogamist,” he said.

Odegbami, who is also a former Green Eagles Captain and part of the 1980 African Cup of Nation winning team, appealed to friends and family who are deeply shocked by the publication.

“I have hurt sensibilities and sincerely apologize to my immediate family and to my Egba kinsmen for this unfortunate and erroneous misrepresentation,” Odegbami concluded.