Renowned playwright and motivational speaker, Uncle Ebo Whyte, has sparked debate over societal expectations surrounding marriage, arguing that many individuals enter into it without personal conviction.

Speaking on Day Two of the 2026 IBAG Annual Conference and Exhibition, Uncle Ebo challenged participants to rethink widely accepted beliefs about marriage, suggesting that cultural pressure and ignorance often play a decisive role.

According to him, society has normalised marriage to the extent that many people do not critically examine whether it aligns with their personal goals and values.

“People don’t ask themselves, ‘Why do I have to get married? Do I really need to?’” he said.

He further highlighted what he described as a gender imbalance in how marriage decisions are approached.

While women, he noted, are generally more intentional and prepared for marriage, many men are often “manoeuvred” into it.

“It doesn’t happen to men the same way. Some men don’t really decide to marry — they are pushed into it,” he explained.

Uncle Ebo added that, in some cases, men take years to fully grasp the reality of being married.

“On average, it can take a man about five years to truly understand that he is married,” he stated, a remark that drew reactions from the audience.

Touching on relationship dynamics, he emphasised that women typically approach marriage with clearer expectations, particularly during the exchange of vows, compared to some men who may not fully comprehend the depth of the commitment at the time.

Beyond marriage, the speaker also addressed the concept of work and personal purpose, stressing that financial gain is not the sole motivator for many individuals.

“There are people who work not just for money, but because they need something to engage their time and energy,” he said.

He noted that prolonged unemployment can have a negative psychological impact, making even periods of rest feel unfulfilling.

“There’s a unique joy in having something to do, especially when it’s something you love,” he added, urging participants to pursue meaningful and purposeful work.

The session formed part of broader discussions at the conference aimed at examining personal development, relationships, and societal expectations in a rapidly evolving world.