Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze, a Nigerian businesswoman and digital skills teacher, has sparked a heated online debate after declaring that she cannot address her husband as 'sir.' In a Facebook post on June 24, 2026, Chioma explained that her husband is first her friend and buddy, and that calling him 'sir' would build an uncomfortable wall in their home.
Chioma's Reasoning Behind Refusing 'Sir'
Chioma revealed that during her single days, she used to call men she was not interested in 'sir' or 'dede' (a respectful Igbo term for an older male) as a polite way of dismissing them. She stated, 'If I have to call you Sir, you are not my friend and I won't marry you.' She added that after using that trick to reject suitors, she could not then marry a 'sir.'
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The post attracted a wave of comments from Facebook users. Anazor Ifeagachukwu Esther argued that calling a husband 'sir' does not stop him from being a friend. Gifty Ushie shared that her partner demands 'sir' but she finds it absurd. Martha Chimamaka Oru-Nnadi agreed with Chioma, saying she and her husband laugh when she teases him with 'sir.' Udochukwu Chikwendu noted that his wife uses various terms including 'sir' based on her mood, and the problem is only when the husband demands it.
Broader Debate on Marriage Dynamics
Goodness Ogbodo offered a balanced view, stating that terms like 'sir' or 'daddy' work for her and her husband while still being best friends. She observed that other couples who use 'babe' often have a respect-based dynamic. The discussion highlights differing perspectives on tradition and intimacy in Nigerian marriages.
Related Discussions on Spousal Address
Previously, a lady on X (formerly Twitter) revealed she does not call her husband 'baby' because the Holy Spirit warned her it was not romantic. She suggested alternative names for husbands. In another story, gospel singer Moses Bliss' wife called him 'sir' while he called her 'baby,' showing the variety of practices.
