Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a Nigerian actress, singer and philanthropist. She is one of the icons in the Nigerian Nollywood industry. Omotola has not only contributed immensely to the Nigerian entertainment industry, she is also known for her humanitarian efforts.
Early Life/Education
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, also known as Omo Sexy was born in Lagos, Nigeria on February 7th, 1978 to Ondo state born Oluwashola Jalade and Oluwatoyin Jalade (nee Amori Oguntade). She is an award-winning actress, singer, UN WFP ambassador, Amnesty International activist, founder Oyep and philanthropist.
Omotola grew up in a family of five. Her mother worked at J.T Chanrai Nig, and her father worked with the YMCA and the Lagos Country Club. Omotola’s original ambition was to work in business management.
While awaiting her results from university, she began modelling to earn a living. She attended Chrisland School Opebi (1981–1987), Oxford Children School (1987), and Command Secondary School Kaduna (1988–1993).
She had a brief stint at the University of Lagos before she finally graduated from Yaba College of Technology with a degree in Estate Management. Omotola lost her father in 1991.
Acting Career
Omotola Jalade was introduced to acting by accompanying a friend to an audition. Her first acting role was in the 1995 movie Venom of Justice, directed by Reginald Ebere. Reginald has been cited as launching Omotola’s career. She was given the lead role in the movie, which set the stage for a flourishing career in the Nollywood film industry. Omotola got her first big role in the critically acclaimed film Mortal Inheritance (1995). In the movie, she played a sickle-cell patient who fights for her life despite the odds of survival. Omotola’s character overcame the disease and had a baby. The film is regarded as one of Nigeria’s best movies ever made. Since then, she has starred in several blockbuster movies, including Games Women Play, Blood Sisters, All My Life, Last Wedding, My Story, The Woman in Me and a host of others.
After a career-defining role in Mortal Inheritance, Omotola’s portrayal won her “Best Actress in an English Speaking Movie” and “Best Actress Overall” at the 1997 THEMA (The Movie Awards). She was the youngest actress in Nigeria at this time to achieve this feat.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the increasingly known actress starred in several sequel films, including Lost Kingdom 2, Kosorogun 2, and Blood Sister 2, leading to a Grand Achiever Award on behalf of the Global Excellence Recognition Awards in 2004. By the mid-2000s, Omotola had catapulted into A-list status. She was awarded “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” during the African Movie Academy Awards in 2005.
After shooting roughly 300 straight to video movies, Omotola received her first cinematic movie role in the 2010 film, Ije. The film was shot on locations in Jos, California, and Los Angeles. Ije was the Highest grossing Nollywood film at the time – A feat later broken by Phone Swap (2012). Last Flight to Abuja (2012) in which Omotola also starred currently holds the record. In 2012, she starred in the Nollywood blockbuster thriller Last Flight to Abuja which beat Hollywood blockbusters like Spiderman, Think like a Man, Ice Age, The Avengers, and Madagascar to become the 2nd highest-grossing movie in West African cinemas in 2012. Omotola has gone on to win over 40 domestic and international awards. She is considered Africa’s biggest box office actress.
In 2015, Omotola Jalade celebrated her 20th anniversary in the entertainment industry. After three years of hiatus, she returned to the scene by playing a lead role in a 2017 movie, Alter Ego alongside Wole Ojo and Jide Kosoko.
In June 2018, the award-winning actress was invited to become a member of the Academy of Motions Pictures Arts and Science popularly known as the Oscars. This is in push by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science to boost diversity.
Music Career
OmoSexy, launched a “long-awaited” music career in 2005 with the release of her debut album titled “gba””. The album produced the singles “Naija Lowa” and “The Things You Do To Me.” Her unreleased sophomore album – Me, Myself, and Eyes, brought in production from Paul Play and Del B. It was supported by the songs “Feel Alright” (featuring ,Harry Song) and “Through the Fire” (featuring, Uche). The Album’s launch party was scheduled to hold in Nigeria, and tables were expected to sell for N1 million.
In late (2012), Omotola began working on her third Album and enlisted the help of The Bridge Entertainment. She headed to the musical mecca of Atlanta GA to work with some prominent producers and songwriters who could help create a sound that would resonate American audiences. Studio sessions included :Grammy winning producer – Kendrick Dean, Drumma Boy, Verse Simmonds. She also recorded with Grammy recording artist Bobby V.
Reality show
In (2012), Omotola launched her own reality show, Omotola: The Real Me, on Africa Magic Entertainment, an M-Net subsidiary broadcast on DStv. This made Omotola the first Nigerian celebrity to star in her own reality show.
Movies
- Venom of Justice
- Mortal Inheritance
- Scores to Settle
- Lost Kingdom
- Kosorogun
- When Love Dies
- Under Fire
- The Outsider
- Rescue
- Blood Sisters
- Royal Family
- Die Another Day
- A Kiss from Rose
- Games Women Play
- Brave Heart
- The Revelation
- Sand in My Shoes
- Careless Soul
- Yankee Girls
- Temple of Justice
- My Last Ambition
- Ije: The Journey
- A Private Storm
- Ties That Bind
- Last Flight to Abuja
- Amina
- Hit The Floor
- Blood on the Lagoon
- Up Creek a Paddle
Awards
- 1997 The Best Actress English at The Movie Awards
- 1997 The Best Actress Overall at The Movie Awards
- 2004 Best Actress at the City People Awards for Excellence
- 2004 Best Actress & Grand Achiever at Global Excellence Recognition Awards
- 2004 Best Individual & Symbol of Creativity at CEON
- 2006 Most Friendly Actress at Youth Benefactor’s Awards
- 2011 Best Actress-Africa Collaboration at Ghana Movie Awards
- 2012 Actress of the Year at Eloy Awards
- 2012 Pan African Best Actress at Screen Nation Awards
- 2012 GIAMA Humanitarian Award at Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards
- 2013 Popular Online Choice at Nollywood Movies Awards
- 2013 Ebony Vanguard Award at Music Video and Screen Awards
- 2013 100 Most Influential People in the World by the TIMES Magazine
- 2014 Member of the Order of the Federal Republic
- 2016 Female Entertainment Personality at City People Social Media Awards
- 2017 Best Actress at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
- 2017 Best Actress at Nollywood Travel Film Festival
- 2018 Most Influential 100 People of African Descent at the United Nations by MIPAD
- 2018 Movie Icon of the Year at City People Movie Awards
- 2018 Best Actress in Movies/TV Series at Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards
Major Controversies
Omotola revealed ‘The Prostitute’ movie threatened her marriage
In an interview with Encomium in 2015, the actress talks her 20 years in the industry, challenges in the industry and the controversial movie ‘The Prostitute’ threatening her marriage.
She said; “The only time I would say I worried was when the movie, The Prostitute came out. And that was the first major fresh shaking I had.
“It was like a kind of controversy. From the movie poster to the sex scenes, whatever in that movie was shot after I left there, but was shot as if I was the one who did it.
“And you know, Nigeria was not ready for that, so there was a lot of controversies around that. So, that was the only time I really worried about my marriage. And to be frank and candid, until my husband told me he wasn’t bothered, then I had peace.”
Semi-nude photo
In 2016, a semi-nude photo shared by Omotola Jalade, had elicited criticism for the actress on social media.
Some fans pointed out that, as a mother of four children, Omotola must be a good role model.
One Instagram user with the username ‘AbdulChurch’ said although the photo was a shoot for a magazine cover the pretty actress should not have accepted to be captured that way.
Omotola, however, replied that she merely did a professional job as an entertainer.
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Omotola Jalade Says Nigeria Under Buhari Is ‘Hellish’
Omotola accused the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for running a hellish country.
She tweeted via her official handle @Realomosexy, that: “The country under your watch is Hellish! @YOsibanjo @MBuhari @NGRPresident The lack of Money in circulation, Now coupled with the Continuous Assault n Killings by Uniformed men will make this Country implode!!! It is Unbearable! Do something!Insecurity!Fear n Desperation everywhere”.
The Country Under your watch is Hellish! @YOsibanjo @MBuhari @NGRPresident The lack of Money in circulation,Now coupled with the Continuous Assault n Killings by Uniformed men will make this Country implode!!!It is Unbearable! Do something!Insecurity!Fear n Desperation everywhere
— Dr Omotola .j. Ekeinde , MFR (@Realomosexy) April 14, 2019
Her comment attracted response from Nigerians and the presidency. Personal Assistant to the President on New Media, Bashir Ahmed, to fire back at the actress in a counter-tweet.
Writing via @BashirAhmaad, she said: “Madam Omotola those who are working for CLEAN money are not complaining and will never refer our dear country as ‘hellish’. In Kano State alone, from 2015 to 2018, no fewer than 200 medium and small scale rice milling centres emerged. For that, billions circulated among millions.”
Madam Omotola those who are working for CLEAN money are not complaining and will never refer our dear country as ‘hellish’. In Kano State alone, from 2015 to 2018, no fewer than 200 medium and small scale rice milling centres emerged. For that, billions circulated among millions. https://t.co/nWprKIgpLC
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 15, 2019
Omotola again responded following criticisms she received for her initial ‘Hellish’ comment. She responded, “Now you see why people will rather just go on with their own business and not speak up? Lol… Thank God for grace. We do it for a better tomorrow. If the country totally breaks down everyone suffers irrespective of how rich, poor, whatever party, exposed or retarded you are….so.”
Now you see why people will rather just go on with their own business and not speak up? Lol… Thank God for grace. We do it for a better tomorrow. If the country totally breaks down everyone suffers irrespective of how rich,poor,whatever party,exposed or retarded you are….so https://t.co/PVKD5CpN38
— Dr Omotola .j. Ekeinde , MFR (@Realomosexy) April 15, 2019
As long as you're not insinuating that I am not working CLEAN for my money… I hear you. Its good that there are some progress… Do you truly want to say you dont see all that's really wrong? Can we fight for our future in truth for once? Without being partisan?
— Dr Omotola .j. Ekeinde , MFR (@Realomosexy) April 16, 2019
Omotola alleged affairs with Adam Oshiomole
Some months ago, it was alleged that veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade was having an affair with former Edo State governor, Adam Oshiomole.
In a tell-all interview, Omotola Jalade held nothing back as she spoke about how the speculations came about.
The ace movie star in a recent interview with BBC Yoruba said she does not like to attend events; adding that she had never met the former Chairman of the All [Progressives Congress (APC).
Omotola had this to say;
“People do not know that I don’t like to go out.
”I am either at home or at the office. As a matter of fact, I only like to go out for official purposes.
”I don’t know Adams Oshiomhole. I have never met him. End of the story.”
Omotola allegedly bribed by the government during #ENDSARS
Many of the star’s fans had accused her of receiving a bribe after she made a tweet on October 20 asking people to stop sensationalizing the shootings.
She wrote on Twitter ”If People died during the Lekki Toll Assault, let their people speak out please and if there were No deaths then enough with the sensationalization because it does not remove from the Crime that happened. PEACEFUL PROTESTERS WERE ATTACKED. WHY? BY WHOM! #EndImpunityinNigeria”.
The now-deleted tweet angered some Nigerians and they blasted her for using ”if” and being insensitive to those who lost someone during the protest.
She, however, apologised, saying that her words were drawn from a different context. Omotola hoped that Nigeria remembers that she was on their side and even protested.
Omotola and Husband Matthew Ekeinde in cheating scandal
Two different Instagram bloggers had alleged that a cheating spree is ongoing in Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and husband Matthew Ekeinde’ marriage.
An alleged chat between Captain Matthew Ekeinde, husband to popular actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and his side chick had surfaced online in Jan 2021.
The chat which was shared by blogger, Gistlovers, showed the duo gushing over themselves and exposing their plans to spoil themselves during their next reunion.
In the chat, the alleged side chick asked if Captain’s wife, Omotola would shift when he arrives in Nigeria, and he replied in affirmative, saying there must be a shifting.
This is coming hours after it was alleged that Omotola is having an extramarital affair with former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole.
Instagram blogger, Gist Merchant posted a heavily worded write-up on the platform suggesting that Omotola is having an affair with Benue State Governor Suswam and Taiwo Afolabi, business magnate and SIFAX Group CEO.
Philanthropy
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde lends her time, voice and resource to serving humanity. In 2005, she became a United Nations World Food Programme ambassador and went on missions to Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Omotola was also an Amnesty International campaigner in 2011 and has participated in campaigns in Sierra Leone and the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
The award-winning actress also joined ONE Campaign’s Poverty is Sexist Campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting the need for women empowerment across the continent.
Omotola later launched her NGO project, Omotola Youth Empowerment Program (OYEP). OYEP has carried out numerous activities including the empowerment walk and convention for hundreds of Nigerian youths.
Her NGO project, which continues to operate in remembrance of Omotola’s late mother brings hundreds of youths together for empowerment walks and conventions. One of their popular projects includes the 20 widows makeover.
Personal Life
Omotola got married to Captain Matthew Ekeinde in the year 1996. The couple later held a white ceremony on board a Dash 7 aircraft while flying from Lagos to Benin in the year 2001 with close family and friends present. She gave birth to her first daughter on 30 March 1997. Together, they have four children, Princess, M.J Meraiah and Michael.
Net Worth
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one of Nigeria’s most sought after actresses with an estimated net worth of N400,000 million. Beyond her net worth, she is a brand ambassador to Scanfrost, Knorr, owned by Unilever, P&G alongside other brands.
Take Away
Omotola is the first African celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page.
Social Media
Instagram: @realomosexy
Twitter: @realomosexy
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