Veteran Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has once again taken a bold stand — this time, calling out the Nigerian film industry over its lack of structure and residual payment system for actors.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the iconic actress, with over three decades of experience and more than 310 Nollywood projects, expressed her frustration over the absence of royalties in Nollywood compared to Hollywood.
“Just four years in Hollywood. Two test projects. Monthly residuals,” Omotola revealed, sharing a photo of an envelope from SAG-AFTRA, the American union representing film and media professionals.
In sharp contrast, she lamented:
“30 years in Nollywood, over 310 projects, no residuals. #NollywoodNeedsStructure #UnlearntoRelearn.”
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A Wake-Up Call for Nollywood
Omotola’s post immediately struck a chord with many in the industry and fans alike. Her call for structural reforms comes at a time when conversations around fair compensation, creative rights, and professional standards in Nollywood are becoming louder.
Her post not only highlights the economic disparity between Nollywood and Hollywood but also challenges industry stakeholders to rethink outdated practices that leave actors uncompensated for repeated broadcasts or digital streaming of their work.
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A Response to Lancelot Imasuen’s Criticism
Interestingly, her post follows an earlier comment made by renowned filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, who accused Nollywood veterans of abandoning the industry that made them stars. Omotola subtly clapped back with her facts, showing that her criticism stems not from detachment but from experience and concern.
Rather than turning her back on Nollywood, Omotola is using her voice to advocate for reforms that will benefit not just stars like her, but upcoming talents who deserve fair treatment and sustainable careers.
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Who is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde?
Omotola, popularly known as Omosexy, is not just an actress. She’s a singer, philanthropist, producer, and one of Nigeria’s most recognized film icons. Since her debut in 1995, she has helped shape the growth of Nollywood into a global phenomenon.
Her recent work in Hollywood has exposed her to international standards of practice — and she’s now using that insight to demand better for Nigeria’s film industry.
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Omotola’s message is clear: Nollywood needs structure. Without residual payments and proper regulation, actors will continue to give so much and receive so little. And if veterans don’t speak up, who will?
