Actor Deyemi Okanlawon has opened up about the expectations placed on men, stressing the importance of having strong emotional support systems.

Speaking during a recent interview on the CreativiTea podcast, Okanlawon said men are often conditioned to absorb pressure and prioritise protecting those around them.

According to him, a man’s natural instinct is to shield others in moments of danger, regardless of the circumstances.

“My job is to protect the people around me. If gbege happens here now, I’m going to step in front. It’s what needs to happen; there’s no excuse,” he said.

The actor, however, emphasised that men should not be discouraged from addressing their emotional struggles or seeking help when necessary.

He revealed that he has intentionally built a support system to help him navigate difficult periods, relying first on a therapist or mentor before reaching out to his wife when situations become overwhelming.

Okanlawon added that although his wife already carries significant family and personal responsibilities, he does not hesitate to lean on her for support whenever the burden becomes too heavy.

“Let me just tell you the truth, when the thing is just too hard, there’s my wife. She’s not the first because she’s dealing with her own business and raising the family. But when it’s hitting me too hard, I’ll wake her in the middle of the night and tell her to help me”, he added.