Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod, has addressed long-standing allegations of sexual exploitation within the Nigerian film industry, stating that such experiences are not unique to Nollywood but occur across various professions.
In an interview on Nollywood on Radio, the 51-year-old actor emphasized that while some individuals may attempt to use romantic or sexual favours to advance in the industry, true success ultimately depends on talent.
“One thing I tell people, bring out those that said they raped them in the industry,” Afod stated. “We are adults. There is consent. If you attend school, they will likely ask you out. If you are a nurse, doctors might ask you out. Patients might ask you out. If you like, you agree.”
He drew parallels with other professions, suggesting that flirtation or romantic overtures are not exclusive to entertainment. “We have bankers who are looking for targets. If the man you’re going to meet asks you out and you like him, you agree. And you meet your target. It’s the same thing. It’s not their problem.”
Using the analogy of a football coach selecting players, Afod explained the notion of using personal attributes to gain favor but insisted that real value lies in skill. “If I am a coach, I have 21 players. And I am going to use 11. Probably, I might have 14 good players. If you want to get your way, you will use what you have to get your way. That is what the girls always say. Use what you have to get what you want. Not all the girls.”
He further stressed that talent will always prevail, regardless of other strategies employed. “But see, let me tell you the truth. Your talent will always be ahead in everything. If you are not good and you sell your body, you are just wasting your time. Because they will not use you.”
Afod also encouraged financial independence in the industry, urging actors to invest in their own productions. “But if you are good and you insist that you are not going to lay on anybody’s bed, that talent will still put you on that spot. Let everybody have their own money and produce their own movies. It is as simple as that. Everybody can produce. That’s Nigerian style. Everybody can produce movies. Everybody can. You can.”
His remarks have sparked discussions online, with some agreeing with his perspective while others called for deeper reflection on consent and power dynamics in professional spaces.
