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Why I quit Nollywood for 15 years, took up cleaning job in UK — Sola Sobowale

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Multi-awards winning Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale, has made a shocking disclosure about her decision to relocate to the UK temporarily 11 years ago.

The 56-year-old actress broke her 15-year acting hiatus in 2016.

Fortunately for her, she landed a role in the record-breaking movie ‘The Wedding Party’ upon her return.

The actress opened up about the circumstances that led to her quitting acting for the first time on a recent episode of #WithChude, with the Co-founder of Joy, Inc., Chude Jideonwo.

‘WithChude’ is a unique series of targeted multimedia conversations and investigations focused on narratives that enable and strengthen the mind, heart, and spirit.

The mother-of-five, whose parents were in academia, recalled how, desiring to give her kids the best education, she took them to the UK and left them alone.

During the interview, she said that every parent must cater for their kids.

She said: “Children did not ask to be born. When you decide to have children, you must be ready to take full responsibility for those children.

“They are beautiful creatures. You don’t bring them to this world to suffer. You don’t bring them to this world for anybody to take care of them. You brought them. Then stay with them and do the work.”

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Leaving Nigeria
During her next visit a month later, she recounts, she noticed that things were different with them.

“They weren’t the kids that I took. That motherly touch was not there. So I said ‘to your tent o Israel’. I’m here with my children. So I left stardom.

“The reason I left Nigeria was to guide my children, to make them somebody in life, to give them the legacy I could give and to nurture and take care of them.

“So that was why I left. And to God be the glory, they are successful now,” she said

Dignity in labour
Giving context to the sacrifice she made, the actress said that before leaving Nigeria, she starred in many movies and made good money.

Going down memory lane, she recalls that she shot a movie, ‘Christ in Me’ in Enugu, which opened doors for many other projects.

“I was earning (N)800,000 back in the year 2000. So when I came back to Lagos, I came back with about N5 million. And I left that for 7.50 pounds per hour job in England.

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“And I’m proud. And there is nothing this woman cannot do because I know what is called dignity in labour.

“I will sweep from here to Kenya or Ghana as long as it puts food on my table and put clothes on my children and shelter on my head,” she said.

She recalls how she did menial jobs like cooking, sweeping and cleaning offices in London.

“My life is colourful. On the train or the bus, I wear my uniform with the company’s name.

“Then I hear Nigerians talking, asking if I’m the one. When I say yes, they ask what I’m doing here. I then ask them, you, what are you doing here? I’m glad. I’m happy. Now it’s history,” she added.

Background
As an actress, Ms Sobowale’s acting career spans over four decades.

She opted out of a College of Education to follow her dream by going to Ibadan, then the hub of entertainment in Nigeria. She initially enrolled as a secretary in training at Sight & Sound, Ibadan.

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However, Tunji Oyelana (Sura De Tailor), who married her older sister, Kikelomo, enrolled her in the University of Ibadan’s Department of Music. But she would later switch to Theatre Arts.

Before the limelight, Ms Sobowale had roles in classic series like ‘The Village Headmaster’ and ‘Mirror in the Sun’ and a couple of stage productions, including Femi Osofisan’s ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’.

“I was lucky to work with Adebayo Salami, and we shot ‘Asewo To Re Mecca’,” she said.

Her first shot at stardom was from playing the now iconic role of Toyin Tomato in Wale Adenuga’s ‘Super Story’ series titled ‘Oh Father! Oh, Daughter’.

Upon her return to the industry in 2016, she starred in Nollywood’s box office hit, ‘The Wedding Party’ and its sequel.

She also played the lead role in the acclaimed movie ‘King of Boys’ and its follow-up series, ‘The Return of the King’.

In July 2022 she landed her first Bollywood role in director Hamisha Daryani Ahuja’s forthcoming film.

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Entertainment

BREAKING: Veteran actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

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Veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ passing was disclosed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying the family was grateful for his life and asking the public to respect their privacy.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.

Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

11/07/1942-16/09/2026

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

He was also a film executive and a major figure in the development of Nigeria’s contemporary film industry.

Olu Jacobs was widely recognised for his commanding performances and roles across Nigerian and international productions, earning him a lasting place in the country’s entertainment history.

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Nollywood actress Tope Osoba laid to rest in Iperu Remo

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The remains of late Nollywood actress, Tope Osoba, were laid to rest on Thursday in her hometown of Iperu Remo, Ogun State, weeks after her death.

The burial service was held at Akesan Club, Iperu Remo, after her body left the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

The remains were were later interred at the Iperu Remo Cemetery.

Colleagues, friends and family, all dressed in white, gathered to pay their last respects to the actress.

Osoba’s death was announced on August 5, months after she underwent breast cancer surgery.

Following her passing, the family initially set August 13, 2026, for the burial, following a candlelight procession and an artistes’ tribute night in her honour on August 11.

The burial was postponed to allow further arrangements and the resolution of outstanding matters.

Prominent Nollywood figures present at the funeral included Foluke Daramola, Kunle Afod and Joke Jigan.

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Osoba was known for her roles in Yoruba movies.

Her passing drew tributes from colleagues, who described her as dedicated and passionate about the industry.

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Another Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, dies after battling cancer

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The sad mood among members of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), has continued to linger with the announcement of the death of Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, who passed away after battling breast cancer.

The news of her passing was officially announced on Tuesday in a statement by her colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa.

The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her.

“I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video.

“Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.”

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In the release signed by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read.

“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.”

Tampan further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call.

“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded.

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The actress’ death comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also succumbed to stage-four cancer.

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