Actress Bolaji Ogunmola Breaks Silence Amid Backlash Over Tribal Slurs in New Movie
Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has publicly apologized following intense backlash over a controversial scene in one of her movies that featured derogatory remarks about Yoruba women. The clip, which recently resurfaced online, shows actor IK Ogbonna making comments widely considered offensive, mocking Yoruba women with remarks about hygiene and personal habits while Ogunmola's character reacts during the exchange.
Ogunmola Distances Herself from Offensive Script
In a detailed statement addressing the situation, Ogunmola explained that the controversial lines were not part of the original screenplay. According to the actress, the actor improvised during filming, and she had limited authority to alter the moment on set. She noted that although she produced the movie, the director had final creative control during filming, making it difficult to cut the scene immediately.
"I didn't write the script. It wasn't in the script. He improvised those lines, and I couldn't cut him. There are ways things are done in my industry. It's a director's film and vision," Ogunmola stated. Her explanation, however, did little to calm the heated conversation online, as critics questioned why the scene remained in the final cut despite the offensive content.
Actress Reveals Threats and Emotional Toll
In a lengthy apology, the actress admitted the criticism had taken a heavy toll on her emotionally. She disclosed receiving disturbing messages, including threats to her career and personal life. According to her, some individuals threatened to report her YouTube page and even directed harmful comments toward her family, including death wishes for her parents.
"The insult and threat to life and livelihood I have experienced in the last three days has been extremely disturbing," she wrote. Ogunmola emphasized that the film was shot about three years ago and was intended as a comedy that explored misunderstandings between two tribes before ending with unity and love.
Reaffirming Yoruba Heritage and Taking Responsibility
The actress also reaffirmed her pride in her Yoruba heritage, stating that she would never intentionally participate in content meant to disrespect her people. "I am Yoruba, omo Ibadan ponbele ni mi... We never intended to stereotype any tribe. We genuinely wanted to make a film people will love and know we can co-exist as a united nation," she added.
She apologized to the Yoruba community and acknowledged that, as the producer, she should have handled the situation differently. Ogunmola emphasized that she has learned from the experience and would be more careful moving forward. "I am not a disrespectful person, nor would I agree to a stereotypical agenda knowingly done. Again, this is duly noted, and we truly apologize, and as the producer, I take full responsibility," she concluded.
Background and Previous Online Reactions
This controversy comes as Ogunmola recently stirred online reactions with a birthday message to her friend, Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, also known as KieKie. The Nollywood thespian shared KieKie's outfit in a social media post that sparked discourse while celebrating her in a lengthy caption. Bolaji described the award-winning content creator as one of the most genuine people she has met in recent times, acknowledging her kindness even in undeserving moments.
The tribal slur incident highlights ongoing sensitivities in Nigeria's entertainment industry regarding cultural representation and the responsibility of filmmakers to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. As the conversation continues online, many are calling for greater accountability in Nollywood productions to ensure respectful portrayal of all ethnic groups.
