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Sola Sobowale Honours Mentor Oga Bello With Emotional Tribute at Film Premiere

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Sola Sobowale honours mentor

Sola Sobowale honours mentor Adebayo Salami, kneeling in gratitude at the “Her Excellency” premiere for his pivotal role in shaping her Nollywood career

Sola Sobowale honours mentor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, in a rare public gesture that has captivated the Nollywood community and beyond.

Also read: Sola Sobowale, Muyiwa Ademola reunite after 15 years

The veteran actress knelt in front of the film icon during the premiere of Her Excellency, a new political drama celebrating Salami’s 60 years in the Nigerian film industry.

The emotional moment unfolded on Sunday, June 29, at the film’s grand unveiling, where Sobowale surprised many by going down on her knees in front of an audience to express her gratitude.

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“God used him to take me where I am today. I have never done this in my life, but I am going to do it today,” she said before kneeling.

“Ese modupe. I am very grateful from the bottom of my heart. You did not only touch me but you touched a lot of people, both alive and dead, males and females, young and old. You touched everybody; you’re a selfless man,” she added.

Sobowale, renowned for her powerhouse role in King of Boys, credited Oga Bello for shaping her path in Nollywood. She praised his unwavering generosity, mentorship, and deep-rooted family values.

The 71-year-old Salami, who began his acting career in 1964, is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of Yoruba theatre and cinema.

The tribute drew a rousing ovation from the audience, as many in the industry acknowledged the significance of the moment. Sobowale also took time to appreciate Salami’s wife, describing her as a quiet force behind the legend’s decades-long success.

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“You are a man of action, a man of substance, you are a giver. Thank you,” she said. “One thing that I will never forget and have been waiting for the opportunity to say is Mama Wale. You supported him, and that’s why he is standing the way he is today. You will enjoy the fruit of your labour.”

The heartfelt exchange was captured on video and later shared on Instagram by Salami’s son, Femi Adebayo, who is also an acclaimed actor and producer. Femi praised Sobowale for publicly recognising the man he called “a builder of stars.”

“In a moment that transcended the lights, cameras, and glamour of last night’s premiere, #SolaSobowale went down on her knees — not for drama, but for deep, undiluted gratitude,” he wrote.

“She honoured the man who has stood as a pillar in her journey — #AdebayoSalami. A legend who didn’t just act but built, groomed, corrected, encouraged, and poured into countless filmmakers, including herself.”

*Her Excellency* is slated for cinema release on Friday, July 4, and boasts a star-studded cast including Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Faithia Williams, Bimbo Ademoye, Yemi Solade, Aisha Lawal, Muyiwa Ademola, and Jide Kosoko.

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The film explores the intersection of politics and power, told through the lens of a dynamic female lead navigating Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape. It also serves as a tribute to Salami’s enduring legacy, showcasing the talent he helped shape over decades.

Sola Sobowale honours mentor in a moment that is now etched in Nollywood history, reminding the industry of the importance of gratitude and legacy.

Also read: Nollywood veteran, Sola Sobowale’s journey from ‘Toyin Tomato’ to caregiver in London

Her actions have sparked conversations about mentorship and respect within Nigerian entertainment, with many calling for more public recognition of those who laid the groundwork.

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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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