Popular Yoruba actress Toyin Afolayan, widely known by her stage name Lola Idije, has addressed misconceptions surrounding her personality, especially due to the roles she portrays in Nollywood movies.
Known for her frequent portrayal of a wicked mother-in-law in Yoruba films, the veteran actress clarified that her on-screen persona is far removed from her true self.
She made this known during a podcast conversation with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya.
“I’m not a wicked person in real life,” Lola stated emphatically, noting that many viewers wrongly assume she mirrors her antagonistic roles off-screen.
The actress also dismissed speculations suggesting that she uses substances such as alcohol or cigarettes to fuel her energetic performances. According to her, she consumes only water and relies solely on divine strength for her spirited delivery in movies.
“Someone once asked me what I take before going on set,” she recounted. “I told him I only drink water. God is my source of energy.”
Lola, who is the younger sister of late Nollywood legend Adeyemi Afolayan, also known as Ade Love, credited her brother’s training for her agility and dedication to the craft.
She first gained widespread recognition after her role as Madam Adisa in the 1995 film Deadly Affair. Over the years, she has also gained popularity for coining viral slang phrases such as “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear”, which have resonated widely, particularly among younger audiences on social media.
In a related development, the actress recently addressed rumours linking her to a personal controversy involving her daughter. Responding to claims that fellow actress Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omoborty, had allegedly married her daughter’s boyfriend, Lola debunked the allegations, describing them as baseless.
“That was a false claim. The first time I even spoke with her husband was when she introduced him to me over a phone call,” she clarified.
Lola Idije continues to be a respected figure in the Nigerian film industry, revered not only for her acting prowess but also for her resilience and consistency across decades in Nollywood.
