Nollywood veteran accuses Mercy Aigbe of resentment, hostility

Nollywood actor and producer Olaide Olabanji has publicly criticized fellow actress Mercy Aigbe, alleging that she has become hostile and ungrateful despite his instrumental role in her rise within the Yoruba movie industry.

In a recent interview with media personality Oyinmomo, Olabanji described how his once-supportive relationship with Aigbe soured following her success.

He claimed that the actress now reacts with visible displeasure whenever she sees him or his photographs, adding that she allegedly harbors resentment so intense that she “wishes he were dead.”

Olabanji recounted the beginnings of their professional relationship, revealing that he first discovered Aigbe in 2004. “I saw her in a shop in 2004 and asked her if she could act. She said yes, and I put her on. I brought Mercy Aigbe into the movie industry. I helped her,” he said.

He emphasized that his support included mentorship and opportunities that significantly contributed to her early success in Nollywood.

According to Olabanji, the dynamic between them changed dramatically as Aigbe gained fame. “Now she is blocking me. To her, it is as if I should no longer exist,” he stated, expressing dismay at what he described as a transformation in her character from warm and approachable to distant and hostile.

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He also reflected on a broader pattern, lamenting how some women in the industry, once supportive, allegedly change after achieving prominence. “The behavior changes when fame comes,” Olabanji noted, highlighting the challenges of maintaining professional relationships in a highly competitive environment like Nollywood.

Industry analysts point out that tensions between rising stars and their early mentors are not uncommon in Nollywood. Dr. Adebayo Ajayi, a lecturer in Performing Arts at the University of Lagos, commented, “Mentorship in the entertainment industry often involves emotional and financial investment. When mentees achieve fame, misaligned expectations or perceived ingratitude can lead to public conflicts.”

Ajayi added that managing relationships carefully and maintaining mutual respect is key to sustaining long-term collaborations. “The public airing of grievances can affect reputations and future opportunities for both parties,” he said.

Meanwhile, Olabanji’s remarks have sparked discussions among fans on social media, with many weighing in on loyalty, gratitude, and professional ethics in Nollywood.

No official response has yet been issued by Mercy Aigbe regarding Olabanji’s claims.

This revelation adds to the ongoing discourse on the pressures of fame, mentorship, and interpersonal conflicts within Nigeria’s film industry.