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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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Yvonne Jegede warns SSS3 students against distractions

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Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has warned Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3) students against distractions, unhealthy friendships and excessive attention to social media, urging them to make decisions that support their long-term goals.

Jegede gave the advice on Wednesday during a Campus Flaws Awareness programme organised for final-year secondary school students in Lagos by the Etiquette Poise and Protocol Resource Academy, led by Keji Oladimeji.

The programme, held at Trinity University, Yaba, was designed to prepare students for the challenges they may encounter when they enter tertiary institutions, including peer pressure, social vices and decisions that could affect their academic and personal development.

The actress told the students that their choices at this stage of life could influence their future, encouraging them to think carefully before acting and to consider the kind of people they wanted to become.

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She cautioned them against sacrificing important goals to fit in with friends or enjoy temporary pleasures, stressing that they should recognise when entertainment and social activities begin to interfere with their priorities.

Jegede also urged the students to be deliberate about the company they keep, warning that not everyone who appears friendly necessarily has their best interests at heart.

On social media, she advised them to pay attention to the content they consume and the material they share online, noting that their digital habits could gradually influence their behaviour and public image.

She further discouraged them from comparing their progress with what they see online, reminding them that social media does not always present a complete or accurate picture of people’s lives.

The actress encouraged the students to take their education seriously, avoid rushing into major decisions because of peer pressure and seek guidance from trusted mentors when necessary.

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Also speaking at the event, Nollywood actor Tobi Makinde emphasised the importance of good character and manners, saying talent and skills could create opportunities, while good conduct could help young people build lasting relationships and advance in life.

Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Kolawole, said the institution was committed to preparing students for higher education and life beyond the classroom. He highlighted its academic programmes and the Trinity University Skills Acquisition Academy, which provides opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial and employable skills.

The Registrar, David Oyejide, also spoke about the university’s academic and character-building opportunities, while Oladimeji said the awareness programme was intended to help students recognise potential pitfalls on campus and prepare for a successful transition into tertiary education.

The event featured a stage play on the theme Campus Flaws, depicting the consequences of poor decisions and involvement in social vices.

Jegede’s message centred on self-awareness, responsible decision-making and the need for young people to protect their future by balancing social activities with their education and personal ambitions.

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Olu Jacobs’ funeral mass draws dignitaries in Lagos

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Olu Jacobs

Olu Jacobs funeral mass begins in Lagos as Joke Silva, family members and prominent dignitaries gather to honour the late Nollywood veteran

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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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