Nollywood actress Damilola Oni has alleged that a senior colleague once attempted to derail her career by blocking her from a major acting role.
Speaking in an interview on Oyinmomo TV, Oni recounted an incident where she was initially cast in a lead role but was sidelined after a fellow actor reportedly refused to share the same set with her.
According to her, the situation unfolded during a film production where she waited several hours without being called to set, despite being scheduled for a prominent role.
She said the producer later informed her that a senior colleague had issued an ultimatumâinsisting that the production team choose between them. Faced with the decision, the producer opted to retain the more established actor, resulting in Oni being reassigned to a minor role.
Despite feeling hurt and frustrated, the actress said she chose to remain on set rather than walk away from the opportunity.
âI was pained, but leaving would have meant allowing the situation to defeat me,â she said, adding that she believes there is space for everyone to succeed in the industry.
Beyond the alleged incident, Oni also spoke about her experiences with online harassment. She revealed that she has received unsolicited explicit messages and inappropriate images from some social media users.
The actress described how such encounters can be disturbing, noting that some individuals have made offensive comments about her performances on television, including inappropriate confessions.
Oni further criticised the entertainment industryâs increasing emphasis on publicity over talent. She argued that self-promotion often gives some individuals an advantage, even when others may possess stronger skills.
âSometimes those who should be more recognised are overlooked, while those who know how to promote themselves gain more visibility,â she said.
Despite the challenges, Oni remains determined to build a successful career, insisting that setbacks will not deter her from achieving her goals in Nollywood.
