“Is it because I’m Yoruba?” — Yinka, holding back tears, alleges family bias from Linc and Rita Edochie

Yinka Theisen, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Linc Edochie, has publicly accused the actor and his family—particularly veteran actress Rita Edochie—of orchestrating a smear campaign against her in the aftermath of her clash with May Edochie and her supporters.

In an emotional interview with Actor Uche Maduagwu, Yinka questioned whether her ethnicity played a role in the treatment she received from the Edochie family, asking pointedly, “Is it because I’m Yoruba?”

The interview, now gaining traction on social media, comes just weeks after the sudden and very public breakdown of Yinka and Linc’s marriage.

The couple, who tied the knot earlier this year, appeared to split following online controversy surrounding Yinka’s comment on May Edochie, the estranged wife of Linc’s brother, Yul.

According to Yinka, her fallout with May triggered a series of events that led to her public vilification by fans and, allegedly, by members of the Edochie family.

She claimed Rita Edochie, known for her vocal support of May Edochie online, was the key figure behind the online campaign to tarnish her image. Yinka expressed disappointment that her husband sided with his family rather than defending her during the crisis.

Speaking during the interview, she lamented the silence and perceived betrayal from Linc, who she claimed blocked her on social media and publicly disassociated himself from her shortly after the online backlash began.

She questioned whether her Yoruba identity made her an outsider in an Igbo family, a factor she believes may have influenced their treatment of her.

The actress, holding back tears, said she had expected unity and protection in marriage, but instead faced isolation and defamation.

The dramatic turn in their short-lived marriage has continued to generate reactions online, with fans split between those supporting Yinka’s claims and others defending the Edochie family.

As the situation unfolds, the emotional weight of her accusations, particularly on ethnic bias, has ignited fresh conversations around inter-ethnic unions and family loyalty within Nigeria’s entertainment circles.