Another Sex-for-Role Scandal Involving Your Fave? Nollywood Veteran Spills the Tea

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The Nigerian entertainment industry is buzzing again, and this time, it’s not about a blockbuster movie or a celebrity wedding. It’s about something darker—a “sex-for-role” scandal that just got revived by a respected voice in Nollywood: Moji Afolayan.





For those who don’t know, Moji Afolayan isn’t your everyday Instagram actress. She’s a veteran in the Yoruba film industry, a filmmaker, and the daughter of the legendary Ade Love. Her words carry weight. So, when she came forward in a recent interview to share her personal experience with the toxic, transactional culture of Nollywood, Nigerians sat up and listened.

“I was blacklisted because I refused to ‘play along’. It had nothing to do with my talent or professionalism. Once I said no, they stopped calling me for jobs,” she said.

Let that sink in.

Sex for Role: An Open Secret?

“Sex for role” isn't a new accusation in Nollywood. For years, whispers have floated about how some aspiring actresses—and sometimes actors—are pressured into compromising themselves just to land a role. What makes this latest story powerful is who it’s coming from. Moji Afolayan isn’t chasing clout. She has nothing to prove. That’s what makes her story harder to ignore.

Her revelation shines a light on a system that punishes those who stand their ground and rewards those who are willing to play dirty. If someone with her pedigree could be blacklisted, how many young, talented but unknown actors are being shut out every day?

The Unspoken Struggles of Nigerian Actresses

Let’s be honest—some people reading this might roll their eyes and say, “Na today?” But the truth is, many talented women in Nollywood have walked away quietly because they couldn’t afford to “cooperate.”

Some eventually gave in. Others switched industries. And then there are the few who, like Moji, decided to speak up after years of silence.

And the most disturbing part? Many of these gatekeepers still hold powerful positions in the industry. Some have even reinvented themselves as “mentors,” “industry icons,” or “award judges.”

Double Standards and Fake Outrage

One thing that makes the Nigerian film industry’s sex-for-role culture so dangerous is the double standard. When a scandal breaks, everyone suddenly becomes moral police. But once the news cycle shifts, it’s business as usual.

The industry knows how to protect its own—especially those with money, clout, and political connections. It’s often the victim that gets shamed, ridiculed, or branded as “difficult.”

Meanwhile, many fans continue to worship certain stars, never knowing what (or who) they had to go through to get there.

Why This Conversation Still Matters in 2025

The world is changing. Conversations around abuse of power, toxic work environments, and exploitation are no longer limited to Hollywood. Nigeria can’t continue to sweep these issues under the carpet.

What Moji Afolayan has done is brave. Her story is a reminder that until more insiders speak out, nothing will change. Until there are consequences for the abusers, and protection for the victims, Nollywood will keep bleeding talent.

And let’s not pretend this problem ends with Nollywood. The “sex-for-favor” culture exists in music, comedy, social media influencing, and even politics. It’s a Nigerian problem. Nollywood just happens to be the mirror.

What Needs to Happen Next

Here’s what the Nigerian film industry—and its fans—need to do:

  • Demand accountability from production houses, marketers, and directors.

  • Create safe reporting systems for up-and-coming actors facing harassment.

  • Celebrate integrity just as much as we celebrate popularity.

  • And finally, stop defending predators just because they’re “good at what they do.”

The Question No One Wants to Ask

If the “sex-for-role” culture is truly as common as insiders claim, we have to ask:

How many of our faves got where they are today fairly?
And how many truly talented people are still being held back because they refuse to play the game?

It’s a tough question, but if we don’t ask it, we’re part of the problem.

Final Thoughts

Moji Afolayan’s story may not trend like a viral skit or celebrity drama, but it should. Her courage should not just be applauded—it should be amplified. If Nollywood wants to grow into the world-class industry it claims to be, it must begin by cleaning up its own mess.

The truth is, many people are watching. Young girls. Aspiring actors. Viewers. Sponsors. Investors. If the foundation is rotten, no amount of blockbuster premieres can cover up the cracks.


💬 What Do You Think?

Have you—or someone you know—ever experienced or witnessed anything similar in the entertainment space?
Do you think more veterans should speak out like Moji Afolayan?

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
📢 Share this post with your friends if you believe Nollywood needs to do better.






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