Nigerian filmmaker Jimmy Rolland has detailed a bitter dispute with actor Tunde 'Okele' Usman that allegedly derailed a million-naira movie production. Speaking on the African A-List podcast, Rolland claimed the actor abandoned the project in Mowe, Ogun State, after becoming upset over the filming schedule.
Filmmaker Details Dispute on Podcast
According to Rolland, Okele was booked for a two-day shoot for a fee of ₦200,000, while actors Anike Ami and Habeeb Alágbè were scheduled to film for three hours. However, the filmmaker alleged that Okele arrived four hours late on the first day, having been expected on set by 9 am. Rolland claimed tensions escalated when the production team began filming Ami and Alágbè while waiting for Okele. He alleged that the actor became angry and left for his hotel because the crew had moved on to other scenes.
Allegations of Late Arrival and Abandonment
Rolland further claimed that Okele later left the second day's shoot before completing nine scheduled scenes, leaving the million-naira production in limbo. The filmmaker said matters became even more heated when he later confronted Okele at an event. According to Rolland, the actor did not apologise or show remorse over the alleged disruption. 'I will say it anywhere I go that he is so arrogant,' Rolland said, adding that they nearly fought during the confrontation.
Confrontation and Legal Considerations
Rolland said he had initially prepared to take legal action, but his lawyer advised against it because there was no written agreement. The filmmaker's claims have now put the alleged clash between the two colleagues in the spotlight, while Okele has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
Social Media Reactions
Legit.ng compiled comments from social media users following the interview. User @parodymil stated: 'I feel Okele is generally an unserious artist. Not based on this story alone but based on history. He likes to be drunk at locations and it's affecting his career. He could have been bigger than he is.' Another user, @utdemperor, noted: 'Fame makes people believe they're better than some people forgetting they started from somewhere as well.'
The incident has sparked discussions within the Nigerian film industry about professionalism and the importance of written contracts. As of now, Okele has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
