Actress Omowunmi Dada has revealed that she landed the lead role in Cordelia without going through an audition, a decision made by veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani, popularly known as TK.
The 35-year-old made the revelation in an Instagram post on Monday, where she also shared a screenshot of a message of praise from the respected director.
In the message, TK thanked her for embodying the character Cordelia with “grace, depth and strength.”
He wrote, “Dear Omowunmi, thank you for embodying Cordelia with such grace, depth, and strength. You carried the heart of the story—and now, watching you connect with fans at the cinemas adds even more life to the role. Your presence means everything. You’re not just our Cordelia on screen, you’re her in spirit—meeting people, inspiring them, and making this film unforgettable.
I’m truly proud of you. Let’s keep the magic alive.
Ire ni o, TK”
Omowunmi responded to the message with gratitude, calling TK “Baba mii” and thanking him for his kind and deeply touching words. She described the experience of playing Cordelia under his direction as an honour.
In her caption, the actress wrote that she woke up to the beautiful message from the legendary Tunde Kelani and expressed how much it meant to be cast as Cordelia and receive such powerful feedback about her work. She said she did not take the moment for granted.
Omowunmi also recalled that the first time she worked with TK was on Ayinla, where she did not play the lead and was unsure whether she made any lasting impression. She said she simply showed up and gave it her all, not knowing someone was watching.
She noted that she didn’t even audition for Cordelia but was called directly and cast in the lead role by TK.
““The first time I worked with TK was on Ayinla. I didn’t play the lead. I didn’t even know if I made a lasting impression.
But I showed up, gave it my all—and someone was watching. 👀
Fast forward… I didn’t even auditioned for Cordelia, but he called and cast me as the titular character.”
“This journey no be beans o! 😩
Na God dey run am with this talent wey choke. 😌
“To anyone starting small or feeling unseen—please don’t hold back. Every role is preparation. Every moment counts.”
She ended the post by reminding her followers that Cordelia is currently showing in cinemas nationwide and described it as a must-see and a beautiful story worth experiencing.
Cordelia, which premiered in cinemas last Friday, is adapted from a novel by renowned playwright and scholar Professor Femi Osofisan. The political drama follows a disillusioned professor who unknowingly shelters a wounded student, later revealed to be the daughter of a wrongly accused coup participant, in the aftermath of a military coup.
The film stars Omowunmi Dada as Cordelia, William Benson as Professor Adekunle, Yvonne Jegede as Remi, Keppy Ekpeyong as Colonel Nwanze and Kelechi Udegbe as Major Kawale.
Cordelia is produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, with screenplay adaptation by Bunmi Ajiboye, cinematography by Adekunle Adejuyigbe and executive production by Tayo Oladimeji and Kunle Adebiyi.
