A promotional video featuring actors Bolaji Ogunmola and Daniel Effiong has sparked heated reactions online. While some fans praised their undeniable on-screen chemistry, others criticized Effiong, accusing him of disrespecting his wife.
In response to the backlash, Ogunmola clarified that the video was part of a professional obligation tied to her role in the movie Summer Rain. She explained that the scene was shot in a controlled environment with numerous crew members present, emphasizing that Effiong was acting as his character, Adimchi, not as a husband.
“Promotional shoot/content is part of an actor’s contractual obligations. Were there cameras there? Yes. Tons of people there? Yes. Was he there as a husband? No. He’s an actor playing a character called Adimchi who’s ridiculously in love with Murewa. Was he professional? Yes!” Ogunmola stated in a now-deleted post.
A Nod to Romantic Cinema
Ogunmola also reminisced about her love for romantic films growing up, citing Nigerian classics featuring Genevieve Nnaji and Emeka Ike as examples of the cinematic magic that inspired her.
“Grew up watching those cheesy love stories both abroad and in Nigeria… ones where Genevieve would fall in love with Emeka Ike, and there’s nothing anyone could tell me, I believed it was the realest thing ever. Their love story was so pure and ridiculously good,” she wrote.
The only actor Bolaji doesn't have chemistry with is none💖🔥😍.
— Oluwafunmike (@GentleLadynimi) January 9, 2025
She urged critics to separate her as a person from the character she portrays, expressing confusion over the personal attacks.
“The characters are Adimchi and Murewa, but how Bolaji Ogunmola is the person you people are dragging, I don’t understand!!! Sha come and watch Summer Rain,” she concluded.
A Heated Debate
The incident has reignited discussions about the boundaries between acting and reality, with fans debating whether actors should face criticism for their roles. Regardless, Ogunmola has stood firm, reminding everyone that storytelling is at the heart of her craft.
Summer Rain premieres in cinemas on February 7.
