Bolaji Ogunmola has come under heavy criticism after a resurfaced movie clip showed IK Ogbonna making disparaging jokes about the hygiene of Yoruba women.
The Nollywood actress and producer later issued a public apology over the controversial scene, which many viewers described as offensive and disrespectful.
In the video, IK Ogbonna was seen making remarks considered obscene, joking about the personal habits and hygiene of Yoruba women, while Ogunmola’s character responded in the scene.
As the clip spread widely on social media, many people reacted angrily, accusing the production of promoting harmful stereotypes.
Reacting to the backlash, Ogunmola explained that the offensive statements were not part of the original script. She said the actor improvised the lines during filming, and she had little control over what happened on set.
According to her:
“I didn’t write the script. It wasn’t in the script. He improvised those lines, and I couldn’t cut him. There are ways things are done in my industry. It’s a director’s film and vision.”
Despite her explanation, many critics were not satisfied and questioned why the scene was not removed before the movie was released.
In a detailed apology, Ogunmola said the situation had deeply affected her. She revealed that she received disturbing messages, including threats to her life and career, as well as hurtful comments about her family. Some people also threatened to report her YouTube channel.
She explained that the movie was filmed about three years ago and was intended to be a comedy that highlights misunderstandings between tribes before ending in love and unity.
She wrote:
“I have been extremely disturbed by the insult and threat to my life and livelihood over the past three days”
The actress also reaffirmed her pride in her Yoruba heritage, stressing that she would never intentionally take part in content meant to disrespect her people.
She said:
“I am Yoruba, omo Ibadan ponbele ni mi… We never intended to stereotype any tribe. We genuinely wanted to make a film people will love and know we can co-exist as a united nation”
Ogunmola admitted that as the producer, she should have handled the situation better. She expressed regret to the Yoruba community and said she has learned from the incident and will be more careful going forward.
She added:
“I’m not impolite, and I wouldn’t consent to a deliberately stereotyped agenda. Once more, this is acknowledged, we sincerely apologize, and I accept full responsibility as the producer.”
