Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has opened up about the ban imposed on her and several top actors by movie marketers back in 2005.
In an interview with Yanga FM Nigeria, Omotola described the episode as a turning point in her career, one that reshaped her outlook on life and work.
She explained that the ban affected eight of Nollywood’s biggest stars at the time, including Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nkem Owoh, and one other actor.
The restriction barred them from working with certain film marketers, sharply limiting their involvement in movie projects during that period.
According to Omotola, the marketers claimed the actors were a negative influence on the industry.
She explained, “They banned some of us at that time. Marketers said we too get Walahi because we dey try better the industry then, and that our wahala too much—that we are a bad influence on the industry because we dey push for standards.”
However, she insisted the real issue was their push for higher standards, professionalism, and better quality in filmmaking, efforts that reportedly clashed with the interests of those controlling production and distribution.
While some actors were reinstated after about a year, Omotola’s ban lasted longer.
She said her extended exclusion was due to her decision not to attend a reconciliation meeting organized by the marketers, a choice that worsened an already tense relationship.
Despite the setback, Omotola refused to remain idle.
She ventured into music, releasing her first album, and focused on business, particularly investments and real estate.
Reflecting on the experience, she said the ban ultimately encouraged her to explore new paths rather than dwell on circumstances beyond her control, adding that it did not stop her career from progressing.
Recounting the incident, she said, “The first eight were me, Genevieve, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, RMD, Nkem Owoh, and one other person. We were eight—they just banned us.”
