Lagos, Nigeria – Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has launched a scathing attack on her colleague Judy Austin over comments regarding Igbo women wearing red caps, describing the actress's position as disrespectful to Igbo culture and tradition.
The heated exchange, which has since gone viral on social media, began after Judy Austin – the second wife of actor Yul Edochie – reportedly made a statement suggesting that Igbo women should be free to wear red caps traditionally reserved for Igbo men.
Austin, who has been a controversial figure since her marriage to Yul Edochie became public, allegedly argued that gender should not determine who gets to wear the prestigious red cap, which in Igbo culture is a symbol of chieftaincy title, authority, and honor typically bestowed upon men of high standing.
But Rita Edochie, who is also Yul Edochie's aunt, did not take kindly to the remark. In a series of posts on her Instagram page, the veteran actress lambasted Austin for what she called a reckless disregard for Igbo customs.
"Judy Austin, you cannot come on social media and tell Igbo women to wear red caps. Do you know what the red cap represents? It is not a fashion accessory. It is for titled men who have earned the respect of their communities. Stay in your lane," Edochie wrote.
She further accused Austin of trying to incite Igbo women against their culture, adding that those who have no regard for tradition should not speak on matters they do not understand.
"You are not a custodian of Igbo culture. You are not married properly, and now you want to teach our women what to do? Please, respect yourself and respect our elders," she added.
The post has since sparked intense debate on social media, with many users weighing in on the issue. Some supported Rita Edochie's position, arguing that cultural symbols should not be trivialized. Others, however, sided with Judy Austin, stating that times are changing and women should be allowed to break traditional barriers.
As of press time, Judy Austin had not issued an official response to Rita Edochie's comments, although her fans have taken to social media to defend her.
This is not the first time Rita Edochie has publicly criticized Judy Austin. The veteran actress has consistently voiced her disapproval of Judy's relationship with Yul Edochie, whom she married while still legally married to his first wife, May Edochie.
The red cap debate has now added another layer to the long-running family feud, which continues to play out in the public eye.
Neither Yul Edochie nor his first wife May Edochie has commented on the latest controversy.
---
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more reactions come in from the involved parties.
Tags:
entertainment