Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Says Living in the U.S. “Humbled” Her, Reveals Nollywood’s Biggest Problem

Veteran Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, widely known as Omo Sexy, has reflected on how relocating to the United States reshaped her mindset and humbled her after decades of fame in Nigeria.

In a candid interview with Punch, the award-winning actress said the experience of living abroad—rather than just visiting—forced her to embrace discipline, structure, and a new level of self-awareness.

According to her, COVID-19 was the turning point that made her reconsider her priorities.

She said:

“The country’s situation wasn’t the main reason. I had opportunities before, but waited for the right timing. COVID-19 changed my perspective; I realised life is short. Visiting the U.S. often wasn’t the same as living there. Moving was scary, but it was a necessary leap.”

Omotola explained that fame came early for her in Nigeria, and being in the U.S. exposed her to experiences—like driving and auditioning—where she had to start from scratch.

“Living abroad humbled me. Fame came early in Nigeria, and moving taught me discipline, organisation, and presence. Even small things, like driving or auditioning, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”

On Alleged Nollywood Ban

Addressing long-standing rumours that she was once banned in Nollywood for demanding high pay, Omotola dismissed the claims as false.

“Who bans someone for asking for fair pay? The issue wasn’t greed; it was about professionalism. I was one of the highest-paid actors at the time, but some of us were seen as ‘too powerful’ and outspoken. I insisted on fair treatment for crew members and wouldn’t work until they were properly fed. That made me a target, but I have no regrets.”

On Nollywood’s Biggest Challenge

Having worked within and outside Nigeria, the actress highlighted lack of structure as Nollywood’s greatest challenge.

She said:

“The biggest challenge in Nollywood is the lack of structure. I’ve fought for standards since the beginning of my career, even being blacklisted at times for insisting on professionalism and proper documentation.”

Her platform, Tefes, she explained, was created to formalise entertainment business practices and raise industry standards.

Opinion: Omotola’s Honesty Is the Wake-Up Call Nollywood Needs

Omotola’s revelations are more than a personal story—they hold up a mirror to Nollywood and its long-standing challenges.

Her statement that “living abroad humbled me” is powerful, not because a superstar was humbled, but because it shows how different environments shape work ethic, structure, and professionalism. In Hollywood, routine tasks like auditions and contracts are standard; in Nigeria, many actors still navigate chaos, politics, and favouritism.

Her insistence on fair treatment for crew members and proper documentation—things that should be basic—made her “a target.” That alone exposes the industry’s cracks.

Nollywood has grown in global popularity, but growth without structure is fragile. While the world now dances to Afrobeats and streams Nigerian movies on Netflix, many actors and crew members still work under poor conditions, with little protection or long-term welfare.

Omotola’s voice matters because she has lived both worlds: the limelight of Lagos and the structured systems of the U.S. When she talks about discipline, professionalism, and fair compensation, she is speaking from experience—not entitlement.

Her call for less politics, stronger guilds, and real structure is not just an industry complaint—it’s a blueprint.
If Nollywood truly wants to compete globally, it must start treating its actors, crew, and stories with the value they deserve.

Omotola didn’t just move abroad; she brought back lessons the industry desperately needs.