Nollywood filmmaker and actress Bolaji Ogunmola has apologised following backlash over a controversial scene that viewers say reinforces negative stereotypes about Yoruba women.
In a post shared on her X (formerly twitter) handle, Ogunmola acknowledged the offence caused and addressed the criticism that has trailed her in recent days. “First of all, I want to apologise to well-respected Yoruba people for this error,” she wrote, adding that the reaction to the clip has been overwhelming.
She said the past three days have been “extremely disturbing”, revealing that she received insults and threats to her life and livelihood, including messages aimed at shutting down her YouTube page and others wishing harm on her family. Despite this, she maintained that the film was never intended to demean any ethnic group.
According to her, the project was produced about three years ago as a comedy centred on cultural differences between two tribes, with a storyline that eventually resolves in love and unity. She explained that the intention was to show that people from different backgrounds can coexist, not to promote harmful stereotypes.
Ogunmola also clarified her role in the production, noting that although she served as both actor and producer, she did not have full creative control over every scene. She stressed that decisions on set are largely determined by the director, which limited her ability to alter certain elements at the time.
She further stated that she did not write the script and that the controversial line was not deliberately included to insult or disrespect Yoruba people. “We never intended… to make a film to stereotype any tribe,” she said.
Reaffirming her identity, Ogunmola described herself as proud Yoruba, saying she would never knowingly support content that undermines her people. She added that at the time the film was made, the team did not fully grasp how such a line could be perceived.
She concluded by taking responsibility as the producer and offering a second apology to those offended, saying the concerns raised have been duly noted.
The backlash began after a clip from the film went viral online. In the scene, actor I.K Ogbona plays a character who during an exchange said to the female character (Bolaji Ogunmola) “Yoruba girl, you people are very dirty.” The remark drew criticism, with many social media users accusing Ogunmola of amplifying a stereotype that Yoruba women have long pushed back against.
Bolaji Ogunmola has built a strong reputation in Nollywood as both an actor and producer, with several film projects spanning romance, family, drama and comedy. She also co-produced Gingerrr which grossed over ₦500 million at the cinema and earned nine nominations at the upcoming 2026 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
