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Deyemi Okanlawon Explains Why He Quit Acting in 2019

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Deyemi Okanlawon

Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon says he stepped away from acting in 2019 over poor pay and lack of fulfilment before returning to 9–5 work

Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon, speaking in Nigeria on 1 July 2026 during an appearance on the CreativiTea podcast, has revealed that he temporarily stepped away from acting in 2019, citing dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions in the industry.

Also read: Ayobami Ojo Laments Being Labelled an Actress

The 45-year-old actor, known for his roles across film and television, disclosed that his decision to pause his acting career came after a period of frustration with what he described as inadequate compensation and lack of professional fulfilment.

Deyemi Okanlawon said the decision followed a personal reassessment of his career path after leaving a traditional 9–5 job to pursue acting full-time, only to feel that the reality of the industry did not match his expectations.

“I quit acting in 2019. I quit because the pay was nonsense, the work was nonsense,” he said during the interview.

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He added that his motivation for entering acting had been driven by passion, but that experience eventually clashed with his expectations of quality and professional satisfaction.

“I didn’t leave 9–5 work to come and do mediocre work. It was difficult to wake up in the morning and go to work, and what is the point of being passionate about something and then not being fulfilled by it,” he said.

According to Deyemi Okanlawon, the situation ultimately led him to return to conventional employment for a period, as he sought stability and a renewed sense of purpose.

His comments have added to ongoing conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment industry about pay structures, working conditions and the sustainability of creative careers.

The actor has since re-established himself in Nollywood, building a reputation for versatility and strong screen presence across major productions.

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Industry observers note that his disclosure reflects wider concerns among creatives about compensation and career stability, even as Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint.

Also read: Ayobami Ojo Laments Being Labelled an Actress

Deyemi Okanlawon’s remarks are expected to spark further discussion on how the industry can better balance artistic passion with fair remuneration and professional development.

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Entertainment

Lizzy Anjorin Questions Court Order Over Priscilla Ojo’s Son

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Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.

Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.

The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.

“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.

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Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.

The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.

The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.

An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.

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Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.

Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.

The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.

In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.

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BBNaija Kess Says Big Brother Makes Life Harder

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Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.

“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.

The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.

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Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.

His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.

Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.

However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.

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Damilola Oni Suffers Backlash at Mama Deola Movie Premiere

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Damilola Oni

Nigerian actress Damilola Oni has come under heavy fire across social media over her controversial outfit at the star-studded Mama Deola movie premiere (more…)

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