Film critic and commentator Tolu Fagbure has said actress Tayo Sobola, popularly known as Sotayo Gaga, may be limited in the type of roles she can play because of her permanent tattoo.

Fagbure made the statement while speaking about acting, professional training and character interpretation during an interview with Dele Adeyanju on Agbaletu TV.

According to him, actors should be prepared to adapt their appearance to suit the characters they portray, particularly when a role requires a specific physical appearance.

He cited Tayo Sobola as an example, arguing that the tattoo on her arm could affect her chances of being cast in certain roles.
“Tayo Sobola should be trained. That lady is trainable. In my own opinion, I think she has lost her place in acting because of the permanent tattoo on her arm, and she would insist on wearing dresses that would expose the tattoo,” Fagbure said.

He questioned whether she could convincingly portray characters such as a responsible housewife or a child while having a visible tattoo.
“And you will tell me that is a responsible housewife. So, will you cast her as a responsible housewife or child? This is a lack of training,” he added.

Fagbure also argued that actors should be cautious about permanent body modifications because of their potential impact on casting.
“As an actor, you’re not supposed to have body markings, body piercings or permanent features on your body. You’re not supposed to have anything that cannot be removed from you for a movie role,” he said.

His comments touch on a longstanding aspect of acting: the need for performers to physically transform themselves to fit the requirements of different characters.
Sobola has worked across the Nigerian film industry as an actress and filmmaker, with appearances in Yoruba-language productions and other Nigerian film projects. She is also known for her work as a producer.

Fagbure’s remarks have prompted discussion about the balance between an actor’s personal appearance and the demands of a role. While tattoos and other forms of body modification have become increasingly common among entertainers, their visibility can sometimes affect how a performer is considered for roles where a director or producer wants a particular period, social, or character look.

For Fagbure, the issue is part of a broader argument about the training and discipline required of actors to remain versatile within the industry.