Married At First Sightseason 18 coupleIkechi Ojoré and Emem Obot’s initial chemistry is giving way to a rapidly deteriorating marriage. Ikechi, 41, is a college counselor and artist who met Emem, a 35-year-old nurse practitioner, on their wedding day. The couple had a fierce connection that made their castmates envious. However, as Ikechi’s attitude derails their progress, it’s becoming evident that their future isn’t so bright.
Ikechi and Emem’s relationship crumbled when they returned home from their honeymoon. Ikechi acted disinterested in Emem, and a disagreement over their physical relationship led him to make shocking accusations about her. Unsurprisingly, theMarried At First Sightseason 18trailer shows their relationship unraveling further.
Ikechi’s lack of regard for his wife’s feelings proves he cares more about fame than building a lasting marriage.
His MAFS & Relationship History Are Troublesome
It was easy to be wary of Ikechiafter learning that he had previously applied to be onLifetime’sMAFS. Ikechi claims the experts were unable to find a match for him, which makes it suspicious that he continued applying. His persistence suggests he’s clout chasing, or has some serious issues that prevent him from finding a spouse outside the reality TV sphere.
Ikechi’s relationship history is also troubling. Prior to marrying Emem, he hadn’t been in a serious relationship for over a decade. It seems bizarre that Ikechi was so persistent about being onMarried At First Sightyetdoesn’t even present himself as marriage material. Meanwhile, he published a book of letters to his future spouse, adding to concerns that hisMAFSappearance was orchestrated for fame.
Ikechi Reacts With Impunity
He’s Not Worrying About Emem’s Feelings
Ikechi and Emem’s marriage changed coursewhen he began using unflattering language towards her. He first referred to her as his “homie,” friend-zoning her while they were still on their honeymoon. Later, Ikechi and Emem’s progress stalled when he called her “aggressive,” which she found very offensive. Ikechi didn’t apologize or attempt to backtrack. He instead stood by his words, even bringing them up again in a future argument.
Ikechi’s true colors were revealed when cameras captured the aftermath of a major disagreement between the couple. Emem and Ikechi met withMarried At First Sight’s Dr. Pia Holecfollowing an argument about intimacy. As Ikechi described Emem’s advances, he was asked by Dr. Pia whether he had been “violated,” and he thought he had been. However, he later conceded that Emem had, in fact, respected his boundaries.
Ikechi’s willingness to make such a strong false accusation against his wife is a sign of his lack of consideration for anybody but himself.
Ikechi Is Not Valuing Emem Like He Should
He Isn’t Interested In Building A Relationship
When Ikechi was first introduced onMarried At First Sight, he proclaimed his intention to take care of his future wife. However, that commitment to care-taking disappeared as he settled into marriage with Emem. In addition to insulting her personality,Ikechi acted disgusted by Emem’s attempts to initiate intimacy. He claimed they didn’t yet know each other on that level, but at the same time, he continued pushing her away.
Ikechi seems uninterested in being a husband.He doesn’t respect Emem’s feelingsand tries to make her look bad because of his attempts to build a relationship with him. If he can’t properly cherish his wife, Ikechi should never have been cast. His callous behavior and unwillingness to work on his relationship suggestMarried At First Sight’s Ikechi Ojoréis only after fame, and his ego is sabotaging his marriage to Emem.
Married At First Sightairs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.
Married At First Sight
Cast
Based on the Danish version of the series, Married at First Sight is a reality show/social experiment that gives singles a chance to find a lifelong partnership with one particular caveat: they must agree to marry a stranger arranged the moment they meet. Experts provide counseling and guidance as they help couples navigate their new marriage with their unknown partner and highlight the journey of the newlyweds from wedding to honeymoon to beginning their new lives together. At the end of eight weeks, couples will decide to stay married or divorce.
