Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has opened up about the circumstances surrounding her alleged ban from the Nigerian film industry years ago, revealing that it stemmed from a push for higher professional standards.
Speaking during a recent interview while promoting her new movie ‘Mother’s Love’, Omotola disclosed that she was not alone in the experience, naming fellow industry heavyweights including Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Nkem Owoh as part of those allegedly sidelined.
According to her, the group faced resistance from movie marketers after advocating for improved structure, professionalism, and better standards within Nollywood.
“They said we were too troublesome because we were trying to better the industry. They said we were bad influences because we were pushing for standards,” she revealed.
Omotola further disclosed that although a reconciliation meeting was later arranged, she chose not to attend.
“They called for a reconciliation meeting, and I refused to go,” she said.
Addressing long-standing public curiosity about her relationship with Genevieve Nnaji, the actress clarified that while they maintain cordial relations, they are not particularly close.
“People don’t need to be best friends, but we talk,” she added.
Her revelations shed new light on past tensions within Nollywood, highlighting the challenges faced by actors who sought to reform the industry’s structure and standards.
