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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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My Wife Knew About Actresses I Dated, Says Yinka Quadri

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Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.

The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.

Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.

“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.

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He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.

“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.

The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.

“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.

Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.

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Prioritise Talent Over Social Media, Fisayo Abebi Tells Young Actors

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Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

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“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

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She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

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Regina Daniels Spent Months In Wheelchair Due To Health Issues

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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

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She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

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“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

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