Imaseun Explains Why He Challenged Omotola: “She Wouldn’t Have Spoken About Her Struggles Otherwise”

Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and actor, Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun, has opened up about his recent public challenge to Nollywood star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. In a candid conversation with media personality Seun Oloketuyi, Imaseun shared the motivation behind his actions.

Speaking in a video shared on Seun Oloketuyi TV’s official YouTube channel, Imaseun explained that his intention was to spark a conversation among industry veterans who have benefitted from Nollywood’s growth but often remain silent during times of crisis.

He said, “I’m beginning to feel that those that were made by the movie industry, I mean the big names in the industry, should speak up when there are issues in the movie industry.”

Reflecting on his approach with Omotola, he added, “If I didn’t provoke Omotola the way I did, she wouldn’t say the challenge she’s also facing now.”

Imaseun emphasized the need for unity and advocacy within Nollywood, particularly from its most influential figures. He called on prominent filmmakers to come together and form a pressure group to engage with the government and push for needed reforms.

He also criticized the lack of support for directors who played a key role in launching the careers of many stars, saying, “A lot of the established film makers got national honors, but they abandoned the movie directors that discovered them.”

His remarks highlight growing frustration within the industry about the lack of collective action and recognition for those working behind the scenes.