Media personality Toolz Oniru has come to the defense of Jennifer, widow of late Nollywood actor Junior Pope, following criticism that she was allegedly “moving on” too soon after her husband’s death.

The backlash emerged after Jennifer shared a video featuring herself and actress Mercy Johnson, prompting a Nigerian man, identified as Obiasogu, to condemn her for seemingly appearing unaffected by the burden of raising three sons.

Toolz refuted the criticism, asserting that no one has the right to dictate how a widow should grieve or rebuild her life. She wrote:

“She’s looking so stunning, casually handling an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and looking like she’s already moved on, barely 1 year after losing her husband and bearing the burden of raising three kid-boys.
Dear men, do whatever you can not to d!e young, especially after newly marrying.”

She also highlighted the double standard in societal expectations, pointing out that men would face no similar scrutiny if they remarried within a year.

“Barely a year is actually 20 months. She should lock herself away and mourn forever? When it wouldn’t be unusual in this country for a man to have another wife within the same year,” Toolz added.

Following Junior Pope’s death on April 8, 2024, when he and several others drowned in Anam River, Anambra State, Jennifer has commemorated milestones including the one-year anniversary of his passing, his 45th posthumous birthday, and their 11th wedding anniversary, reflecting on their life together while navigating her grief.

Many Nollywood stars have expressed support for Jennifer, praising her resilience and honoring the legacy of her late husband.