Yul Edochie Biography
Yul Chibuike Daniel Edochie, born January 7, 1982, widely recognized as Yul Edochie, is a prominent Nigerian actor, director, filmmaker, advertiser, and philanthropist. Named after Russian actor Yul Brynner, he hails from Oyi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The youngest son of legendary Nigerian actor Pete Edochie and broadcaster Josephine Edochie, Yul Edochie grew up in Lagos and Enugu, Nigeria, under the guidance of his parents.
Yul Edochie Wife
While studying at university, Yul Edochie met May Aligwe, whom he married six years later at age 22. The couple has three sons and a daughter. In a surprising announcement on April 27, 2022, Yul Edochie disclosed that he had taken actress Judy Austin as his second wife, with whom he shares a newborn son.
Yul Edochie Education
Yul Edochie academic journey began at Lillians’ Day Nursery School and Robinson Street Primary School in Enugu from 1984 to 1992. He attended secondary school from 1992 to 1998 at institutions including Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Uturu, University Secondary School Enugu, Ecumenical Community Secondary School Enugu, and New Haven Boys Secondary School Enugu. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts from the University of Port Harcourt.
Yul Edochie Son’s Death
In 2023, the Edochie family faced a devastating loss when their firstborn son, Kambilichukwu Yul Edochie, a rising Nollywood actor, passed away. The tragedy occurred after he collapsed and suffered a seizure during a football match following his exams. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Kambilichukwu was pronounced dead, leaving the family and the Nigerian entertainment industry in deep sorrow. His death came just months after celebrating his 16th birthday, intensifying the family’s grief.
Yul Edochie Parents
Born on January 7, 1982, in Anambra State, Yul Edochie is the sixth child of Pete Edochie, a celebrated Nollywood veteran, and Josephine Edochie, a broadcaster. His upbringing was shaped by his parents’ influential presence in media and entertainment.
Yul Edochie Career
Yul Edochie entered Nollywood in 2005 with his debut film, (The Exquires). His breakout role came in 2007, starring alongside Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot in “Wind of Glory”. In 2015, he founded a film academy in Lagos to train aspiring actors, aiming to elevate the quality of Nigerian cinema. In 2017, Yul Edochie announced his candidacy for Governor of Anambra State and was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Creative and Entertainment Media by Governor Willie Obiano. He officially ran under the Democratic Peoples Congress after the Nigerian Senate passed the Not Too Young To Run Bill.
Yul Edochie Second Wife
Yul Edochie shocked fans by revealing his infidelity during his 17-year marriage to May Aligwe and introducing actress Judy Austin as his second wife. He expressed deep affection for Judy and their son, Star Dike Muchachimso Yul-Edochie, comparing it to his love for his other children. In response, May unfollowed Yul Edochie on social media and publicly expressed her pain, stating, “May God judge you both,” sparking widespread speculation about their family dynamics.
Filmography
Known for his distinctive voice and acting style, Yul Edochie has starred in over 100 Nollywood films, including:
- Heart of Princes
- Rain of Hope
- Palace Love
- ldemili
- Money Pass Money
- Native Girl
- Disclosed
- Mom’s At War
- Wind of Glory
- The Illiterate
- Angels and Demons
- Wasted Blood and Poor Billionaire
- The Blind Orphan
- The Secret Room
- Ikemba
Yul Edochie Exposes His Wife
Yul Edochie publicly accused his first wife, May, of undergoing breast enlargement surgery without his consent, alleging she was supported by a married boyfriend. He claimed she misrepresented herself as virtuous on social media while secretly enjoying her life, manipulating public perception to vilify him. Yul Edochie stated that he had been protecting her image despite her actions, vowing not to remain silent in 2024.
Yul Edochie Siblings
Yul Edochie, the youngest son of Pete Edochie, is a versatile Nollywood figure. Beyond acting, he embraced a spiritual path, becoming a pastor and founding an online ministry, despite mixed public reactions. His siblings include:
Leo Edochie: The eldest, a corporate leader and CEO of Solotone Global Ventures Limited, focusing on engineering and construction in the oil and gas sector.
Uche Edochie: Born in 1975, a postwar and contemporary painter, interior designer, photographer, and entrepreneur, reflecting the family’s artistic heritage.
Linc Edochie: An actor, director, and scriptwriter who began his Nollywood career in 1995, continuing the family’s entertainment legacy.
Gene Edochie: An interior designer and photographer, managing director of Space Calibre Ltd, with a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Pete’s Daughter: The fifth child and only daughter, who remains private, avoiding the public spotlight.
Controversy
The controversy largely stems from Yul Edochie’s decision to wed actress Judy Austin as his second wife while still married to his first wife, May Edochie, and the resulting public uproar. This development prompted May to file for divorce, sparking ongoing discussions about his marital decisions and their effects on both his career and reputation.
Key points of the situation include:
Second Marriage:
In April 2022, Yul edochie publicly disclosed his marriage to Judy Austin, also revealing they share a son. The revelation drew widespread criticism from the public and sharp disapproval from May.
Divorce Proceedings:
Following the announcement, May filed for divorce. Reports indicate the legal process has faced delays.
Public Backlash:
Yul edochie has endured heavy criticism for entering into a second marriage while still legally bound to May.
Social Media Feuds:
Much of the drama has unfolded on social media, where Yul edochie frequently responds to critics and defends his actions. He has also had public disagreements with his brother, Linc Edochie, who urged him to keep marital matters private.
Career Repercussions:
The scandal is believed to have negatively affected Yul edochie career, with online sources claiming his image has suffered, leading to lost endorsements and reduced acting opportunities.
Financial Struggles:
Some online reports allege Yul edochie is experiencing financial problems and that his family has attempted to reconcile with May in hopes of receiving financial support.
Defense of 2Baba:
In a related matter, Yul edochie publicly defended musician 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) during his own marital issues with Annie Idibia, criticizing those who commented negatively on the situation.
Yul Edochie Social Media
Follow Yul Edochie on:
- Instagram: @yuledochie
- Facebook: @Yul Edochie
Yul Edochie Net Worth
Yul Edochie’s estimated net worth is $1.8 million, earned through his prolific Nollywood career, entrepreneurship, politics, philanthropy, and luxury car acquisitions.
FAQs
Are Rita Edochie and Pete Edochie siblings? No, Rita Edochie is Pete Edochie’s sister-in-law, married to his brother Tony Edochie.
Is Yul Edochie a pastor? Yes, Yul Edochie founded True Salvation Ministry, claiming a divine calling after surviving a near-death accident in 2019.
Does Yul Edochie have a second wife?Yes, Yul Edochie married Judy Austin in 2022, with whom he has two sons, after separating from his first wife, May Aligwe.
Who are the five sons of Pete Edochie? They are Leo, Uche, Linc, Gene, and Yul Edochie.
Who is Yul’s first wife? Queen May Edochie.
Is Pete Edochie Yul Edochie’s biological father?Yes, Yul Edochie is the youngest son of Pete Edochie, born in Anambra State in 1982.