Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola has taken to her social media page to tender an apology for her part in a movie that caused controversy due to its use of tribal insults.
Her remarks stem from her colleague, IK Ogbonna disparaging remarks against Yoruba people in a clip from her film that went viral, sparking social media controversy.
“You folks are so filthy, Yoruba girl, Yoruba girl. In the scene, Ogbonna told Ogunmola, “That’s how I will be seeing tissue up and down, your pants will be hanging in the staircase, and that your bra that is like cotton, I will come and see it in my parlour.”
According to Ogunmola, Ogbonna invented the offensive lines and they weren’t in the original screenplay.
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“I didn’t write the script/wasn’t even in the script. He improvised those lines, and I can’t cut him. There are ways things are done in my industry. It’s a director’s film and vision. Not the producer,” she said.
According to her, she couldn’t cut the scene without the director’s consent, citing industry norms.
The backlash led to threats and insults, prompting Ogunmola to take full responsibility and apologise to the Yoruba community.
She emphasised her pride in being Yoruba and assured her actions were not meant to perpetuate stereotypes.
“First of all, I want to apologize to the well-respected Yoruba people for this error.
“The insult and threat to life and livelihood I have experienced (DMs saying all sorts/threat to take my YouTube page /even as far as wishing my parents death and ending my career) in the last 3 days has been extremely disturbing.
“An imperfect match, the film was made 3 years ago…it was meant to be a comedy film between 2 tribe and a lot of disagreement and fights before a resolution of love. That’s what the film is about.
“We never intended 3 years ago to make a film to stereotype any tribe that was fictionally displayed. We truly and genuinely just wanted to make a film people will love and know that we can co-exist as a united nation.
I was subtly trying to explain why I couldn’t do anything at the time or insist on a different direction, because I was honestly an actor on set in this scene, even though I produced it.
On set, my director has the final say, that’s why in films it’s a film by the named director, not the producer, not the actor.
“I am not a script writer, I didn’t write that script, nor did we actively include the phrase to disrespect or ascribe a tribe that I am extremely proud to belong to. I am Yoruba, omo Ibadan ponbele ni mi. Most importantly, at that time, neither of us knew better.
To my people and lovers of my work: I am not a disrespectful person, nor would I agree to a stereotypical agenda knowingly done.
Never. I also don’t like trouble or drama, that’s why I would rather exit the room. Again, this is duly noted, and we truly apologize, and as the producer, I take full responsibility,” she wrote.
Some netizens remain skeptical, questioning why she didn’t stop the scene or speak out sooner.
