Veteran Nollywood star Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has firmly dismissed rumours of a long-running feud with fellow actress Genevieve Nnaji, saying the industry and fans exaggerated harmless comparisons into rivalry.
Speaking during an interview on Yanga FM, Omotola said she never had personal issues with Genevieve at the height of their careers. Instead, she believes media narratives and fan debates created unnecessary tension.
“People don’t need to be best friends, but we talked. Behind the film, we dey talk normally,” she said, blending English and Pidgin.
According to her, both actresses are naturally reserved, which made public drama unlikely. “I’ve never been somebody you can sit to quarrel with,” she added.
Omotola Speaks on Nollywood Marketing Trends
Beyond addressing the rumoured rift, Omotola also weighed in on evolving film promotion strategies in Nollywood.
She criticised the growing trend of actors using dance videos and viral social media content to market movies. Referring to her upcoming film Mothers Love, scheduled for release on March 6, she made it clear that she would not adopt that approach.
“I’m sorry, I will not be doing the dancing. It’s just not me. I dance, I love to dance, but when it becomes a chore to sell a movie, it’s not professional,” she said.
She argued that distributors and marketers should drive promotion efforts, rather than shifting that responsibility entirely onto actors.
“Respect Experience in Nollywood”
Furthermore, Omotola expressed concern about the increasing preference for social media influencers over trained actors in film casting.
She stressed that while influencers have a place in the industry, producers should not overlook experience and discipline.
“There would always be influencers, but you cannot compare them with people who have put time and sweat into the craft. We need to respect experience,” she stated.
According to her, when filmmakers overload actors with marketing duties, it can lead to burnout and affect performance quality. She emphasised that professionalism extends beyond what audiences see on screen.
The Bigger Picture
Omotola’s remarks highlight a broader debate within Nollywood — the balance between traditional acting excellence and the demands of digital-era promotion.
As the industry continues to evolve, many stakeholders are reassessing how to maintain high standards while adapting to social media realities.
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With her latest comments, Omotola not only addressed years of speculation but also reignited conversations about professionalism, marketing, and respect for craft in Nigeria’s film industry.
