Actor Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya Igwe, has opened up about one of the painful regrets of his life, refusing to lend his newly purchased luxury car to gospel singer Tope Alabi and her husband for their wedding.
Speaking at Alabi’s 55th birthday celebration, Olaiya shared the story behind his Mercedes‑Benz V‑Boot, boldly inscribed “Ololade Mr Money 1” after the success of his film.
“She informed me about her wedding, and I had just bought a car… But after she left, I had a second thought: what if armed robbers snatched the car from them?”
The excitement of acquiring the car had been marred by a recent trauma. While promoting his movie in Ibadan, the vehicle was stolen. Though recovered, the actors said the theft left him feeling paranoid.
“When I returned from Ibadan, Tope Alabi came to my house in Abeokuta and said: ‘Big brother please we want to use your car for our wedding.’ And I said no problem.”
But fear overtook generosity. A day before the wedding, Olaiya admitted he stopped picking up Tope’s calls.
“I didn’t give her the car. I disappointed Tope Alabi, he confessed.”
Although he sought forgiveness later during a professional meeting in Ogun State, he said the guilt lingers. Olaiya reflected on the contrast in their fortunes, while Tope Alabi now owns several luxury vehicles, he still struggles to afford one.
“My anxiety stemmed from my recent theft experience in Ibadan,” he explained, emphasising that his withdrawal was not out of malice, but fear of losing what he had just acquired and failing someone he considered a younger sister.
Even decisions made in private can echo publicly, he said, cautioning younger actors to weigh the long-term impact of their choices.
In a contrasting turn, Tope Alabi was celebrated on her 55th birthday by her husband, Soji Alabi, who gifted her a Lexus SUV.
