Toke Makinwa Claims Men Are “The Biggest Gold Diggers” — Sparks Fresh Debate on Gender and Marriage Norms
Nigerian media personality and fashion influencer Toke Makinwa has stirred public conversation after asserting that men—not women—are the real gold diggers in today’s society.
Speaking on a new episode of her podcast, Makinwa tackled the long-standing stereotype that women primarily marry wealthy men for financial gain. She argued that this narrative unfairly targets women while ignoring a growing trend of men intentionally marrying into rich families.
“People are constantly insulting women for knowing what they want,” Makinwa said. “You sit on podcasts and say women date men for money. But the other gender are the biggest gold diggers in the world.”
According to her, many men pursue women with generational wealth “without shame,” yet face none of the criticism commonly directed at women. Despite her blunt take, Makinwa clarified that she has no problem with men who choose partners based on financial stability, noting that marriage has always involved “financial considerations on both sides.” She even admitted that she would advise her own brother to marry someone from a strong financial background if presented with two options.
Opinion: A Bold Truth or a Hard Pill for Society to Swallow?
Toke Makinwa’s statement is striking not just because of its bluntness, but because it flips a long-held cultural narrative on its head. For decades, women in Nigeria—and globally—have been typecast as gold diggers whenever they seek financial security in marriage. Yet Makinwa’s argument forces society to acknowledge a reality many prefer to ignore: men also marry for money, and they have been doing it quietly and confidently.
Her point exposes a double standard.
When a woman marries wealthy, she's labeled materialistic.
When a man marries wealthy, he’s considered strategic—or even smart.
Whether one agrees with Makinwa or not, her commentary invites a broader conversation about modern relationships. In a time where financial stability is crucial, it’s unrealistic to pretend that money doesn’t influence marital choices on both sides. And perhaps, instead of shaming women for wanting security, it’s time to admit that partnership today is often a blend of love, compatibility, and—yes—economic sense.
Makinwa’s blunt honesty may ruffle feathers, but it also challenges outdated stereotypes and pushes society to see marriage through a more balanced lens.
