Nollywood producer and actress Bolaji Ogunmola has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over a resurfaced movie clip that many viewers say promotes harmful stereotypes about Yoruba women.

The controversy began after a scene from one of her films re-emerged online, showing actor IK Ogbonna making remarks perceived as offensive, including jokes about the hygiene and personal habits of Yoruba women. The clip quickly went viral, drawing criticism from social media users who accused the production of reinforcing negative cultural narratives.

Responding to the outrage, Ogunmola explained that the controversial lines were not part of the original script, claiming they were improvised during filming. She added that despite being the producer, she did not have full control on set, as the director had the final say on creative decisions at the time.

According to her, the film was shot about three years ago and was intended as a comedy centered on misunderstandings between different tribes, ultimately promoting unity and love.

However, her explanation did little to calm reactions, with critics questioning why the scene was not removed before the film’s release.

In a detailed apology, Ogunmola expressed deep regret over the incident, revealing that the backlash had affected her personally, with some reactions escalating into threats against her and her family. She reaffirmed her identity as a proud Yoruba woman and stressed that she would never intentionally participate in content that disrespects her culture.

Taking responsibility as the producer, she admitted that she should have handled the situation better and promised to be more cautious in future projects.

🧠 Opinion: Creativity Doesn’t Excuse Harm — Accountability Still Matters

This controversy highlights an ongoing tension in Nollywood — where does creative freedom end and responsibility begin?

Ogunmola’s explanation about improvisation is believable. Actors often add lines on set, especially in comedy. But the bigger issue isn’t just how the line came about — it’s why it made it into the final cut.

As a producer, even without full control on set, there is still a level of accountability in what gets released to the public. Audiences don’t see behind-the-scenes decisions; they judge what is presented to them.

At the same time, the reaction also reflects a growing awareness among viewers. People are no longer willing to ignore stereotypes, especially those that target cultural or ethnic groups. What might have been brushed off as “just jokes” years ago is now being questioned — and rightly so.

However, it’s also important to address the intensity of online backlash. Criticism is valid, but threats and personal attacks cross the line and distract from the real issue — improving content and representation.

In the end, this situation is a lesson for the industry. Comedy can still be funny without being harmful, and cultural sensitivity is no longer optional — it’s expected.

For Ogunmola, the apology is a step forward. But going forward, actions — especially in future productions — will matter more than words.