When the road is rough, only those who know where they are going keep walking.” This old proverb perfectly frames the journey of Nollywood actress Lola Awoyele, whose path in the Nigerian film industry has been marked by difficult choices, resilience, and a firm commitment to her values.
In a recent interview aired on the official YouTube channel of Wasila Coded TV, Awoyele spoke candidly about the challenges she encountered behind the scenes of Nollywood and the personal decisions that led her to step away from filmmaking for a period of time. Her account offers a rare glimpse into the pressures some actors face and the strength required to navigate them.
The actress revealed that at a certain stage in her career, she was discouraged from continuing in the industry because she refused to engage in intimate relationships as a condition for securing roles. According to her, she was directly advised to quit acting if she could not comply with such expectations. The experience, she said, was emotionally draining and left her feeling disheartened, ultimately pushing her to temporarily withdraw from movie production.
Awoyele explained that her eventual return to Nollywood was largely influenced by the late actor Murphy Afolabi, who gave her an acting opportunity without attaching any inappropriate conditions. She described his support as a major turning point, restoring her confidence and reminding her that professionalism and respect still had a place in the industry.
Speaking further, the actress disclosed that she sometimes chose to financially compensate producers or colleagues for movie roles. She said this approach was a conscious effort to maintain her personal boundaries and avoid being placed in uncomfortable situations. By handling arrangements transparently and professionally, she felt better protected and able to focus solely on her craft without compromising her principles.
Awoyele’s revelations have reignited conversations about ethics, professionalism, and the need for safer and more respectful working environments within the Nigerian film industry. Her story underscores the importance of consent, integrity, and mutual respect in creative spaces, while also highlighting the silent struggles some actors endure in pursuit of their dreams.
As Nollywood continues to grow on the global stage, voices like Awoyele’s serve as an important reminder that success should never come at the cost of personal dignity—and that meaningful change often begins when difficult truths are brought into the open.
