Actor Kunle Afod has weighed in on the longstanding conversation surrounding sex-for-roles in Nollywood, stating that sexual advances are not unique to the film industry and stressing that talent remains the most important factor for success.
The 51-year-old actor shared his views during an interview on Nollywood on Radio, where he compared experiences in Nollywood to similar situations across other professions.
“One thing I tell people, bring out those that said they raped them in the industry. We are adults. There is consent.
“If you attend school, they will likely ask you out. If you are a nurse, doctors might ask you out. Patients might ask you out. If you like, you agree,” he said.
“We have bankers who are looking for targets. If the man you’re going to meet asks you out and you like him, you agree. And you meet your target. It’s the same thing. It’s not their problem.”
Using a football analogy, he added: “If I am a coach, I have 21 players. And I am going to use 11. Probably, I might have 14 good players. If you want to get your way, you will use what you have to get your way. That is what the girls always say. Use what you have to get what you want. Not all the girls.”
Kunle emphasised that without talent, compromising will not lead to lasting success.
“Your talent will always be ahead in everything. If you are not good and you sell your body, you are just wasting your time.
“Because they will not use you. But if you are good and you insist that you are not going to lay on anybody’s bed, that talent will still put you on that spot.”
Kunle’s comments add to a growing list of voices addressing exploitation in the Nigerian film industry.
In 2020, actress Chioma Ifemeludike openly criticised film producers who demand sex for roles, describing such behavior as insulting and unacceptable.
Two years later, she confessed to having a paid sexual encounter with a Nigerian pastor, revealing that it was arranged by a colleague under the guise of securing opportunities in Nollywood.
She later said the confession was part of a personal journey of repentance.
Actor Kenneth Okonkwo has also spoken against sex-for-roles in the industry, stating that while he hasn’t witnessed such directly, any consensual sexual exchange for roles without coercion should be seen as prostitution, not rape.
He emphasised that talent, not compromise, should determine one’s place in the industry.
