Veteran Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (Omo Sexy) is giving fans a rare peek into how relocating to the U.S. completely reshaped her mindset and lifestyle.
Speaking with Punch, the actress revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to finally make the big move.
“It wasn’t really about Nigeria. I’d had opportunities before, but I waited for the right time. COVID changed everything—life suddenly felt too short. Visiting the U.S. wasn’t the same as actually living there. Moving was scary, but necessary.”
Omotola shared that although fame came early for her in Nigeria, living abroad grounded her in unexpected ways.
“Living abroad humbled me. I had to relearn discipline, organisation, even things like driving myself or going for auditions. It reminded me that nothing in life is guaranteed.”
Addressing the Nollywood “Ban” Rumour 🎬
Omotola finally cleared the long-standing rumour that she was banned from Nollywood for charging high fees.
“That’s not true. Who gets banned for asking for fair pay? The issue was professionalism and crew welfare. I insisted on proper treatment for crew members—especially feeding. That made me a target, but I have no regrets.”
She explained that being outspoken and influential at the time made some industry players uncomfortable.
On Nollywood’s Biggest Problem 🚫
According to her, the industry’s main challenge has always been lack of structure.
“I’ve fought for standards since the beginning. I was even blacklisted sometimes for demanding professionalism and proper documentation. That’s why I created Tefes—to help formalise the entertainment business.”
A Call for Better Recognition 🙌🏽
Omotola ended by stressing that entertainers should be treated with dignity and proper systems—just like in other countries.
“Entertainers shape society. In developed countries, they earn salaries, pensions, proper benefits. What we lack here is structure—functional guilds, less politics, more professionalism.”
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