The Nollywood film industry, which is the largest film industry in Nigeria, is based in Lagos State. Over the years, the movie industry has seen its fair share of controversies from top-tier actors and veterans as well as starters. Public spats, high-profile feuds between co-stars or between different actors, rumors of infidelity, and derogatory comments, among other possibilities, can thrust an actor straight into the spotlight or make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Actors who make this list have been involved in various controversies that have sparked debates and created different opinions between fans and critics. Their bizarre and reckless actions have only made people wonder if these actors are actually the role models or professionals their fans make them out to be.
1. Jim Iyke
Jim Iyke is the prototype and the original “bad guy” of Nollywood whenever it has to do with controversy. He has been regarded as the bad guy in movies as well as in real life; his name is practically synonymous with attitude, ego, erratic behavior, and public outbursts.
Iyke’s controversies stemmed from heated confrontations on movie sets and a weird viral moment alongside TB Joshua where he was claimed to be delivered from evil spirits. He has lived under the spotlight in ways few others have. The video, where he screamed and convulsed during the prayer, was psychosis at its core that had many Nigerians questioning what was real and what was staged.
Iyke’s spiritual drama is not the tip of the iceberg, though; his love life is nothing short of commotion, with his rumored relationship with Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari and endless online spats always proving intriguing and unpredictable.
2. Uche Maduagwu
Uche Maduagwu is all about using other people’s popularity to gain his own. If clout-chasing was a sport, Maduagwu might take gold. He’s known more for his social media rants than many of his film roles, and he’s made a name for himself by calling out just about everyone in the Nollywood industry.
Maduagwu once claimed to be gay, and, as if that was not enough, he then took it back by retracting his miserable and shameless words. He accused his colleagues of fake lifestyles, condemned Nollywood as a hypocritical enterprise, and engaged in many political debates. With his endless attention-seeking behavior, Maduagwu has made himself impossible to ignore, and in a social media age, that is something to really count on.
3. Yul Edochie
Yul Edochie, son of legendary and veteran actor Pete Edochie, made headlines across the country after announcing that he took a second wife. The case against Yul isn’t his second marriage, at least that is between him, his spouses, and everyone connected to the actor’s personal life. His boastful comments with regard to polygamy in a community where a polygamous setting is rarely practiced and not even something they believe in religiously or culturally are exactly what angered fans and critics who derided him and showered a rain of insults against him. Many people labeled him as a traitor and ungrateful to his first wife. Edochie’s outspoken nature always made him a subject of public interest. The marriage saga turned Edochie into one of the most divisive figures in Nollywood. He’s now seen by many as a cautionary tale on fame, ego, and poor judgment.
4. Ernest Asuzu
Late actor Ernest Asuzu’s story is one of talent, trouble, and tragedy. An actor who was on the verge of becoming a household name, he checked all his cards right, the good looks, the talent, the charisma, and even the film roles. But somewhere along the line, things completely went awry. Asuzu’s struggles with mental health and alleged substance use saw his career eventually decline. In a heartbreaking viral video, Asuzu was seen roaming around shirtless and disoriented, begging on the streets of Lagos. A few of his colleagues made a move and gave him a helping hand, trying to make him recover, but he never bounced back. He died in 2021, and his Nollywood journey remains one of the saddest.
5. Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Nouah is a very popular Nollywood actor who is synonymous with leading roles throughout his career. His high-profile status in the industry goes head-to-head with his high-profile feuds with colleagues. Nouah is often accused by many film producers and directors of being a very difficult actor to work with. Many claim Nouah’s egoistical nature always gets the better of him, he is a difficult person and a polarizing human being.
6. Charles Okocha
Charles Okocha is a Nollywood actor known for his wild nature, over-the-top energy, and street slang, but like they say, “too many cooks spoil the broth,” as sometimes the antics go too far. A video clip showed him smashing a car window in a fit of rage while his friends tried to restrain him. Another equally disturbing video saw him punching a friend in the chest. Okocha might claim the clips are just skits for fun and comedy, but like many people argued, such videos, if anything, are only detrimental to his career as an actor.
7. Seun Egbegbe
There was this extract from a song: “When this life makes you mad enough to kill, that is rock bottom. When this life makes you bad enough to steal, that is rock bottom.” Seun Egbegbe, a well-known Yoruba film producer and low-level actor, saw his status quickly change when he was arrested for allegedly trying to steal phones from a shop in Computer Village, Ikeja. Of course, the story went viral, a Nollywood film producer and actor stealing iPhones? That is really hitting rock bottom. Egbegbe denied the allegations against him, but CCTV footage and accounts from witnesses proved otherwise. Egbegbe was charged with over 40 counts of fraud and spent years in prison before being released in 2022. His rise and fall were swift and embarrassing.
8. James Olanrewaju
Public outbursts, altercations, dating rumors, and extramarital affairs are all among the likely actions or outcomes that can bring an actor into the spotlight for the wrong reasons, but child molestation is on a different level.
James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was arrested in 2021 for molesting a minor. In an incident involving testimonies by fellow actors and CCTV footage, actress Iyabo Ojo led the charge in demanding justice while others like Yomi Fabiyi defended him in a deeply divided public. The case tore through Nollywood with fans on either side. In the end, Olanrewaju was convicted, sentenced, and sent to prison. It remains the most damning scandal in Nollywood that forced serious conversations about abuse, accountability, and the protection of minors.
9. Gideon Okeke
Many actors rose to fame through a traditional industry pathway like acting, endorsement deals, and image rights, but in the case of Gideon Okeke, he had other plans.
At some point, Okeke was the most active vocal critic of Nollywood’s working conditions, lack of structure, and toxicity in the hierarchy of the industry. Okeke wasn’t shy or afraid of calling out names, including big and influential figures within the industry such as actors, directors, and producers, as well as government agencies. This way, Okeke was praised by many for his bravery and honesty while to others he was just an arrogant and ungrateful fellow.
10. Chiwetalu Agu
Veteran actor Chiwetalu Agu was known for his great sense of humor, unique expressions, and comic roles. In recent years, though, he’s become a controversial figure due to his open support for Biafra and frequent criticisms of the Nigerian government. In 2021, he was arrested for wearing an outfit that resembled the Biafran flag. Agu defended himself, saying he was promoting peace and justice. Agu’s boldness has won him admirers and critics alike.
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