May Edochie, estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has publicly honored veteran actress Rita Edochie with a heartfelt birthday tribute today, April 16, 2025, declaring it “World’s Mama Rita’s Day” in recognition of the unwavering support she has received from her former relative by marriage.
The celebratory post comes amid May’s continued navigation of personal challenges following her high-profile separation from Yul Edochie, which has kept both figures in the public eye across Nigerian social media platforms and entertainment news outlets.
Rita Edochie, who earlier marked her birthday on Instagram with a vibrant video thanking God for her new age, friends for their love, and supporters for their loyalty, received warm wishes from May through a series of photographs accompanied by affectionate words and prayers.
“Happy glorious birthday beautiful momma @ritaedochie! May your new year bring new achievements, success stories, joy and peace,” May wrote in her Instagram tribute. May the good Lord grant your secret heart desires in return for your love and kindness. Good health of mind and body I wish you on this special day. We love you momma.”
The relationship between May and Rita has become a subject of public interest, particularly following the controversy surrounding Yul Edochie’s second marriage to actress Judy Austin in 2022, which sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry and prompted widespread support for May.
Throughout this difficult period, Rita Edochie, who is related to Yul through marriage, has positioned herself firmly as May’s defender and ally. The veteran actress has consistently used her substantial platform and influence to champion May’s cause, regularly celebrating her achievements and publicly criticizing Yul’s actions.
Entertainment analysts note that Rita’s support has been particularly significant given the complicated family dynamics at play. As a respected elder in the extended Edochie family, her decision to stand with May rather than remain neutral or support Yul has been interpreted as a powerful statement within Nigerian cultural contexts, where family elders typically command significant respect and influence.
“Rita Edochie’s support for May transcends typical celebrity solidarity,” explains cultural commentator Adaora Nwankwo. In Nigerian family structures, having a respected elder family member publicly take your side in a dispute carries immense social weight. Rita’s continuous backing has provided May not just emotional support but also cultural legitimacy in a situation where women are often pressured to accept polygamy silently.
May’s tribute underscores the depth of their bond, which has remained strong despite the dissolution of her marriage to Yul. Sources close to both women indicate that Rita has served as both emotional support and strategic advisor to May as she rebuilt her life and personal brand following the marital crisis.
The mother of three has transformed personal adversity into opportunity, expanding her entrepreneurial ventures and building a substantial social media following, with Rita frequently amplifying her initiatives and celebrating her resilience.
Social media reactions to May’s birthday tribute have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans commending the genuine friendship between the two women. Comments praised Rita for “putting family loyalty above blood relations” and applauded May for publicly acknowledging her supporter.
This relationship demonstrates how women can support each other through difficult circumstances,” notes social media influencer Chioma Eze. Rita could have easily remained silent given her family connection to Yul, but instead chose to stand firmly beside May. It’s a powerful example of women’s solidarity that resonates with many Nigerian women who have faced similar situations.
The birthday celebration occurs against the backdrop of continued public interest in the Edochie family saga, which has dominated entertainment headlines since Yul announced his second marriage. The controversy intensified when he revealed that he and Judy Austin had welcomed a son together, further complicating an already tense situation.
May has largely maintained her dignity throughout the ordeal, focusing on her children and business ventures while receiving an outpouring of public support. Rita’s vocal backing has been instrumental in shaping public perception, with many Nigerians viewing May as the wronged party deserving of sympathy and respect.
Entertainment industry observers suggest that Rita’s support has also helped May navigate the complex world of Nigerian celebrity culture, where public perception can significantly impact business opportunities and endorsement deals.
Having Rita Edochie in her corner has been invaluable for May beyond just emotional support,” says entertainment journalist Kunle Adebayo. Rita’s decades of experience in Nollywood and her extensive connections have likely opened doors for May as she establishes herself as an independent brand separate from her estranged husband’s shadow.
As Rita celebrates her birthday today, the exchange between the two women highlights a relationship that has transcended conventional family boundaries to become a celebrated example of female solidarity in Nigerian entertainment circles.
The birthday wishes from May to Rita reflect not just gratitude for past support but also an ongoing bond that continues to strengthen as both women move forward with their respective lives and careers. For many observers, their relationship represents a powerful narrative of resilience, loyalty, and the importance of support systems during personal crises.
As one social media user commented under May’s post: “When a woman stands up for another woman during her darkest hours, that’s a friendship worth celebrating. Happy birthday to a true defender and ally.
