Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has shared details of how she handled a ban placed on her and several top actors by movie marketers in 2005.
themomentng reports that she spoke on the issue during an interview on Yanga FM Nigeria, describing the episode as a turning point in her career.
Omotola explained that the decision affected eight popular faces in the industry at the time.
Those involved included herself, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nkem Owoh, and one other actor.
According to her, the group was restricted from working with certain film marketers, which limited their participation in movie projects during that period.
She said the marketers claimed the actors were having a bad effect on the industry.
However, Omotola stated that the real reason was tied to their push for better quality and higher standards in filmmaking, a move she believed did not sit well with some people who controlled production and distribution then.
The actress noted that the ban did not affect everyone for the same length of time.
She revealed that while some of the actors were allowed back into the system after about a year, her own situation dragged on longer.
Omotola linked the extension of her ban to her decision not to attend a meeting arranged by the marketers to settle the issue.
She explained that missing the meeting further strained her relationship with those behind the restriction.
During the period she was unable to work freely in Nollywood, Omotola said she chose not to stay idle.
The thespian ventured into music and released her first album at the time, using the break from acting to explore another side of her creativity.
She also focused on business outside entertainment, paying attention to her investments and getting involved in property-related activities.
According to her, the period helped her grow in other areas and remain active despite the setback in her acting career.
Looking back, Omotola said the experience pushed her to find new paths rather than dwell on what she could not control, adding that the ban did not stop her from moving forward.
Recounting the incident, she said, “The first 8 were me, Genevieve, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, RMD, Nkem Owoh, and one other person. We were 8, they just banned us.”
