Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has spoken openly about the ban placed on her and several other top actors by movie marketers in 2005, an incident that marked a major moment in the history of the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking during an interview with Yanga FM Nigeria, Omotola described the ban as a difficult but life-changing experience that helped shape her career and outlook on life. According to her, the decision by movie marketers affected eight of the biggest names in Nollywood at the time and limited their access to film projects.
Omotola said those affected by the ban included Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Nkem Owoh, herself, and one other actor. The ban stopped them from working with certain marketers who controlled film production and distribution during that period.
At the time, movie marketers played a powerful role in Nollywood. They financed most films, handled distribution, and decided which actors were cast. Being blacklisted by them meant reduced work opportunities and, in some cases, near exclusion from the industry.
According to Omotola, the marketers claimed that the actors were a negative influence on Nollywood.
“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,” she said.
Omotola explained that the real issue was not bad behavior but their effort to improve the quality of Nigerian films. She said the actors were pushing for better scripts, improved production quality, fair pay, and more professionalism on set.
At the time, Nollywood was growing fast but faced criticism for poor sound quality, weak storylines, and rushed productions. Some actors, including those later banned, began speaking openly about the need to raise standards and compete better on the global stage.
However, these demands reportedly clashed with the interests of some marketers, who preferred quick production and profit over long-term quality. The disagreement eventually led to the ban.
The restriction meant that the affected actors could not work with certain marketers, which sharply reduced the number of films they could appear in. For stars who were used to appearing in several movies each year, the impact was heavy.
Omotola said the ban was a major turning point in her life. While some of the banned actors were allowed back into the system after about a year, her own ban lasted longer.
She explained that her extended exclusion was linked to her refusal to attend a reconciliation meeting organised by the marketers.
“There was a meeting they called for peace, but I did not go. That made the matter worse,” she said.
Her decision deepened the tension between her and the marketers, keeping her out of many movie projects for a longer period than her colleagues.
Despite the setback, Omotola said she refused to feel defeated or sit idle. Instead, she decided to explore other talents and business opportunities.
During the period of the ban, she ventured into music and released her first album. She also focused on business, investments, and real estate, areas she said helped her grow financially and personally.
Rather than seeing the ban as the end of her career, Omotola said she viewed it as an opportunity to expand her skills and independence.
Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It didn’t stop my life. It didn’t stop my career. It made me look at other things I could do.”
She added that the incident taught her not to depend solely on one path and not to allow circumstances beyond her control to define her future.
The 2005 ban remains one of the most talked-about events in Nollywood’s history. Many industry observers believe it marked the beginning of conversations about actors’ rights, creative control, and the balance of power between marketers and performers.
Over the years, Nollywood has changed significantly. The rise of independent producers, cinema releases, streaming platforms, and international partnerships has reduced the dominance of marketers and given actors more control over their careers.
Actors now negotiate contracts, demand better working conditions, and focus on quality storytelling. Many of the issues Omotola and her colleagues raised in 2005 are now widely accepted as necessary for the industry’s growth.
Omotola herself went on to build a successful international career, starring in films, television series, and global projects. She has also become a respected voice in discussions about women’s rights, professionalism, and excellence in entertainment.
Her revelation has sparked renewed discussion about the sacrifices made by early Nollywood stars to improve the industry. Fans and younger actors have praised her courage and resilience, describing her as a trailblazer.
Today, Omotola, Genevieve, Ramsey Nouah, and others from that group are regarded as legends who helped shape modern Nollywood.
Looking back, Omotola said the ban, though painful, played a role in pushing her to grow beyond acting and discover her full potential.
