Bolaji Ogunmola Apologises Over Alleged Negative Portrayal Of Yoruba Women In New Film

According to Ireporter Online, Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola has issued a public apology following backlash over a film scene that was accused of promoting tribal stereotypes against Yoruba people.

The controversy erupted after a clip from the movie went viral online, showing actor IK Ogbonna making remarks that many viewers described as derogatory toward Yoruba women and culture. The scene quickly sparked outrage across social media, with critics accusing the production of reinforcing negative ethnic stereotypes.

In response, Ogunmola explained that the controversial lines were not originally part of the script, stating that they were improvised during filming. She noted that, as a producer who was also acting in the project, she did not author the script and had limited control over on-the-spot changes made during production. She further explained that final creative decisions often rest with the director, making it difficult to alter or cut scenes without proper approval.

The actress expressed regret over the incident, apologising to the Yoruba community and stressing that there was no intention to portray any ethnic group in a negative light. She maintained that the film was conceived as a fictional, cross-cultural comedy aimed at highlighting misunderstandings between groups before eventual reconciliation.

Ogunmola also revealed that she had faced intense online backlash, including threats and harsh messages directed at her and her family, which she described as deeply distressing. Despite this, she reaffirmed her pride in her Yoruba heritage and insisted she would never intentionally support any narrative that demeans her people.

While she has taken responsibility as a producer, she maintained that the situation was a result of miscommunication and creative interpretation during production. However, some social media users remain unconvinced, questioning why the scene was not halted earlier or addressed sooner after filming.