Actress Bolaji Ogunmola has addressed claims that her latest film Ajosepo: The Gathering is receiving preferential treatment in cinemas at the expense of other movies.
In a video shared on Instagram on Sunday, Bolaji denied allegations that her film was being favoured by cinema operators while other productions were being sidelined.
According to her, showtimes are determined by business considerations and audience demand, not personal relationships.
“So many things has been going on and really honestly, I have been quiet because there’s no need. Let’s just focus on the goal. But I also understand that it’s an issue of public perception,” she said.
Bolaji explained that her film had different screening schedules across cinemas, noting that some locations had only one showtime while others had more.
“The way the showtimes are done is based off of how we perceive the film will do well, how people are talking about the film in the media space and how people are reviewing and reacting to the film. It has nothing to do with favoritism,” she said.
The actress also pushed back against claims that Ajosepo: The Gathering is a direct continuation of the first Ajosepo movie.
“This is a standalone film that can work by itself. You don’t have to see the part 1,” she said, adding that the film only shares a connection with the earlier project because of its title and family based storyline.
Bolaji said she was hurt by suggestions that she had tried to undermine other filmmakers and insisted that she had never encouraged audiences to avoid any movie.
“I have not actually tried to sabotage anybody’s film,” she said.
She further appealed to fans to support the movie in cinemas, stressing that films with poor attendance risk being removed from cinema schedules.
Her comments came after actress Jaiyeola Kuti complained about the screening schedule of her film Jaiye Monje The Anniversary.
Sharing a screenshot of the movie’s showtimes on Instagram, Jaiyeola wrote, “AJOSEPOWA tifebaje !!! I’m just a week old at the cinemas, and I’m already out of showtime? Hmmm 🤔 Please, who comes to the cinema at this time of the day to watch movies? #cinemaowners”
The debate follows similar concerns recently raised by Faithia Balogun, who alleged that cinemas were giving her film Efunroye unfavourable screening slots. The actress claimed late night showings were affecting audience turnout and ticket sales.
Cinema showtime allocation has become a recurring issue in Nollywood in recent months, with several filmmakers accusing cinema operators of unfair scheduling. Cinema owners and industry stakeholders, however, maintain that screening slots are largely determined by audience demand and box office performance.
