LAGOS, Nigeria — A wave of controversy has swept through Nigeria’s film industry after veteran Yoruba actor Dele Odule offered a contentious opinion on the recurring issue of sex-for-roles in Nollywood, stating that it is not wrong for an actor to request intimacy from an actress in exchange for a movie role — provided there is no coercion.
Odule made the remarks during an interview aired on Oyinmomo TV’s official YouTube channel, where he shared personal views on the boundaries of consent and power dynamics in the film industry.
“I don’t agree that actors can ask actresses to have an affair with them before giving them movie roles because if such happens, it means the actress already has an interest in doing it,” he said in the interview.
The actor, whose career spans several decades in the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood, argued that consensual relationships between adults are a natural part of society and should not automatically be deemed problematic.
“In a society where there are men and women, it is normal that they will approach each other for relationships,” he said.
“But it has to come with mutual agreement between a man and a woman because a woman always has the choice to agree or disagree.”
Odule further asserted that legal and moral concerns only arise when force or coercion is involved.
“Nothing wrong if an actor wants sex from an actress for movie roles so far he doesn’t force her. It only becomes illegal when force is applied, which is punishable under law,” he said.
His comments have prompted strong reactions across social media and industry circles.
Some critics say the actor’s stance risks normalising exploitative behaviour under the guise of consent, especially in an industry where younger, less established talents often find themselves vulnerable to abuse.
Supporters, however, argue that Odule is simply acknowledging the reality of adult relationships and the importance of consent — a principle central to ongoing discussions about power dynamics in workplaces globally.
The issue of sex-for-roles has long been a sensitive one in Nollywood, with multiple allegations surfacing in recent years.
Campaigns aimed at encouraging victims to speak out have gained momentum, though industry-wide reforms have remained limited.
