Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Claims She Hasn’t Received Nollywood Royalties in 30 Years

Veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, known as Omo Sexy, has revealed that she has not received any royalties for her work in Nollywood over the past 30 years. She made this statement during an interview on the Afropolitan podcast, where she compared her experiences in the Nigerian film industry with those in Hollywood.

Omotola highlighted the difference in compensation between the two industries. She noted that despite only working in Hollywood for five years, she receives residual payments for her projects there. In contrast, she has never received any additional payments for her work in Nigeria, even after successful films.

She expressed frustration that no one in Nollywood has approached her to offer a thank-you payment for her contributions to successful films. “I’ve put in 30 years here. I’ve never received an envelope,” she said, emphasizing the lack of appreciation for her work.

Beyond payment issues, Omotola pointed out several areas where Nollywood could improve. She mentioned the need for better production standards, proper planning, and financial accountability. She believes that while Nigerian filmmakers are often resourceful, the industry could benefit from adopting some of Hollywood’s strict working-hour rules and production procedures.

Omotola also criticized the financial practices in some locally funded film projects. She suggested that production funds should be held securely rather than given directly to producers before projects start. She urged international funding organizations to ensure that local productions adhere to established standards.

Reflecting on her decision to move to the United States, Omotola said it was one of the best choices she has made. She had previously turned down relocation opportunities but reconsidered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living in California has provided her with a sense of calm and helped her reassess the pressures of celebrity life in Lagos.

“It’s just part of the things I unlearned,” she said, noting that the hectic lifestyle in Lagos often made her feel overwhelmed.