Nollywood film critic and broadcaster Tolu Fagbure has come under criticism after his recent comments about actress Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji, popularly known as Mo Bimpe, sparked a fresh debate about his approach to judging actors.

Fagbure recently recalled an encounter he had with Mo Bimpe during a film project in 2018, describing the actress’ conduct at the time as unprofessional.

According to him, someone recommended Mo Bimpe for a role in a movie he was working on, after which he contacted her and sent her the script. Fagbure said he did not hear from the actress for three days. When he followed up, he claimed she explained that she was on a movie location and was busy with work. He said he contacted her again and she asked him to explain the story to her rather than reading the script he had already sent.

Fagbure said he challenged her over the request, which he considered unprofessional.
“I believe she must have better sense now that she is Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji,” he said while recounting the experience.

His comments have since generated reactions, with some of those criticising him turning attention to his own work as an actor.

Rather than focusing only on whether his account of the 2018 incident was justified, some critics have questioned Fagbure’s position as a person who regularly assesses the performances of other actors while also having acting credits of his own.

The debate has added another dimension to the criticism surrounding Fagbure, whose blunt assessments of Nollywood practitioners have repeatedly generated conversations online.
In recent months, he has offered strong opinions about several actors, sometimes questioning their acting abilities, professionalism or suitability for certain roles.

In June, Fagbure made comments about Eniola Ajao’s acting, arguing that her performance lacked the quality he expected for cinema. Ajao later responded to the criticism, saying she would continue to work, grow and allow audiences to decide on her career.

He has also compared the acting abilities of established actresses. In July, he said Wumi Toriola was a better actress than Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Mercy Aigbe, a position that sparked debate among movie lovers.

Fagbure’s comments about Femi Adebayo also attracted attention in August. He recalled that he once described Adebayo’s acting as “plastic” before changing his opinion after meeting the actor and seeing more of his work.

His criticism of Bimbo Ademoye earlier in the year similarly generated reactions. While praising her talent, Fagbure raised concerns about her alleged discipline on film sets, prompting some fans to defend the actress and question the manner in which he delivered his assessment.

The renewed backlash therefore comes against the backdrop of Fagbure’s increasingly visible role as a commentator on Nollywood and its practitioners.

For his critics, the discussion is no longer only about whether his individual assessments are valid. His own acting has now become part of the conversation, with people examining the same craft he uses to judge other performers.

Fagbure has continued to speak openly about the Nigerian film industry, offering both praise and criticism of actors and their work. His latest comments about Mo Bimpe have once again placed his style of criticism under scrutiny, this time with the focus shifting from the actors he evaluates to the critic himself.