Dare Babalola
Nigerian actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola has issued a public apology following criticism over scenes in her movie Imperfect Match that viewers say promoted negative stereotypes about Yoruba women and culture.
The film, released on 13 March 2024, featured actors including IK Ogbonna and Charles Born.
It recently resurfaced online after clips went viral, triggering renewed outrage over dialogue considered offensive to Yoruba people and their cuisine.
In one widely circulated scene, Ogbonna’s character enters a kitchen where Ogunmola’s role is preparing ewedu soup and dismisses the smell in a derogatory comparison.
Another scene drew even stronger reactions, where his character insulted Yoruba women, describing them in demeaning terms and making crude comments about their hygiene and clothing.
The clips sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many users accusing the production of reinforcing harmful tribal stereotypes. Some critics went further, calling for the film’s removal from YouTube and demanding accountability from those involved.
Responding to the controversy, Ogunmola clarified in a statement shared on her X account that the project was intended as a comedic story exploring cultural differences between two groups, eventually leading to reconciliation through love and understanding.
She also revealed that she had received a wave of threats and abusive messages following the backlash.
“The insults and threats I’ve received have been very disturbing,” she said, adding that the project was never designed to stereotype any ethnic group.
Ogunmola explained that although she served as a producer, she was not the scriptwriter and did not originate the controversial lines. According to her, creative control on set ultimately rested with the director during production decisions.
She further emphasised her personal connection to the Yoruba identity, stating that she would never intentionally contribute to content that demeans her own heritage. Born in Ibadan, she described herself as a proud Yoruba woman and insisted there was no deliberate intent to offend.
“I am Yoruba. I would not knowingly support anything that disrespects my culture,” she noted, while apologising and taking responsibility as producer.
The actress concluded by acknowledging public concerns and apologising to anyone offended by the scenes.
This is not the first time Ogunmola has faced online criticism over her film projects.
In November 2025, she was also dragged on social media over a romantic scene in Summer Rain involving actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, where she played the character Murewa opposite his role, Adimchi Amadi.
