Award-winning director and actor Odunlade Adekola is a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, celebrated for his contribution to numerous successful indigenous productions. With appearances in over 100 home videos and motion pictures, Odun, as he is fondly called by fans and colleagues, has solidified his place as a household name. In a recent interview with Sunday Sun, he opened up about how he has managed to keep both his career and personal life free of scandals.
When asked about the current wave of interest in traditional and indigenous films, he had this to say:
“You mentioned that we’re now focusing on indigenous movies, and honestly, there’s no better time than now. I give credit to the legends who paved the way for this. The industry has evolved from the era where English-language films were dominant. We’ve found our voice, and we’re taking our rightful place. No film tells a deeper story than those that accurately reflect our culture and values. These local films, as some call them, are beginning to receive international recognition — and this is just the beginning of many great things to come.”
How do you feel about the attention local movies are getting lately on the global map?
It’s a success story that all filmmakers need to be happy about, because in past years only the music industry was getting all the accolades, but at the moment the film industry is recognized globally with so much attention on our local content. For me, this is what I have set out to do. I am excelling well, but at the same time, there is still room for improvement as the production techniques change every day, and you must move with the trend to be able to keep up in the market space.
It seems that the new generation of Nigerian youths, the GenZ and Millennial, are not conversant with the Nigerian culture. What is your view on this, and how do you think parents can help out?
The truth is whether you are Gen-Z or Millennial, very soon they will key into it, you cannot take the culture out of the way of life of people. One way or the other, they will begin to appreciate their culture just the way we embrace our mother tongue. On the roles of parents too, every parent needs to inculcate their culture into the everyday lifestyle of their children. Take them on historical tours so that they appreciate their culture, and allow your children to attend exhibitions and go see cultural movies like Ajakaju and others. Our culture can only be preserved, if we do more to appreciate it
You seem to be more involved with indigenous/local content. I there any reason for that?
There is no reason other than the fact that as a filmmaker, you need to understand what your audience wants because once you are an actor or producer, when you stop giving your audience value, you stop living because they are the bulk of people who consume your good work. I follow genuinely and easily when it comes to indigenous content.
How would you describe Nollywood?
It is an industry with great potential. It is growing in leaps and bounds, yet it has the potential to grow more. All we ask for is an enabling environment from the government to help us thrive. It would be nice if the entertainment industry gets greater attention and consideration in government finances because this is a money-spinning industry. What you invest is what you get. That is why Hollywood and Bollywood remain on top. They have made the movie industry in America and India part of their income generators. The government must equally tackle piracy. By this move the copyright laws should be effectively put to use.
You have featured in countless movies. Which of them is most outstanding?
Life evolves, and no progress dwells in the past or wants to remain static. Each work I do takes me to a bigger challenge. It is very difficult for me to pick any of my works as outstanding because I try to go a step further in every job as they come. More so, the roles differ with each movie. I have tried as much as possible to maintain a standard, professionally. I don’t go below that standard, instead, I go higher. So, with such a mindset on your job, everything comes out with a different, higher or better result. So, it is difficult to pick.
How do you combine family life with your job as an actor?
I am always grateful to God for the kind of family I have, especially the wife that He gave to me. When you truly have your better half as a wife or husband, every other thing falls in place. Once the home front is at peace, you will surely have a sweet and smooth sailing career. Besides, for every successful man, there is always a virtuous woman and vice versa. Truly, my family is my strength.
How do you combine your job as an actor who could play some negative roles with your religion or faith?
My job is different from my faith, which you chose to call religion. As a professional, I am supposed to play or act roles assigned to me. This has nothing to do with my faith as a Christian. But I need to correct one impression here: being religious is different from being spiritual. You may be religious yet very carnal, but once you are spiritual, you see things from divine point of view.
What is the secret of your scandal-free career?
Fear of God and self-discipline. Temptations will come naturally, but with the fear of God which goes with prayers, you will conquer.