Veteran Nollywood actress Yetunde Ogunsola has alleged that many female actors in the early years of the Nigerian film industry were pressured into marriage by influential figures.
Speaking in an interview aired by Agbaletu TV on July 7, 2026, Ogunsola claimed that romantic courtship was uncommon during that period, alleging that some powerful men used their positions to pressure actresses into accepting marriage proposals.
According to her, some women agreed to marry out of fear that rejecting the advances could harm their careers or cost them acting opportunities. She said professional advancement often depended on complying with the wishes of influential individuals rather than talent alone.
“When we started acting, the bosses didn’t woo us before marriage; they commanded or forced us to marry them,” Ogunsola said.
The actress acknowledged that conditions within Nollywood have improved over the years but stressed the importance of remembering the industry’s past. She said reflecting on those experiences is essential to ensuring future generations of actors work in an environment built on respect, fairness and personal choice rather than coercion.
