Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has claimed that, in the past, some young women entered the acting industry not out of passion for the craft but to form relationships with already established actors.
Speaking during an interview on the Nollywood on Radio podcast, Adesanya recalled starting her acting career in 1992 with the Odunfa Caucus — a theatre group founded by Taiwo Hassan, Yinka Quadri, Abbey Lanre, and Ara Ọsan.
She pushed back against widespread claims that male actors often harass women for roles, arguing instead that, in many cases, the situation is reversed. According to her, some aspiring actresses deliberately pursued actors and producers.
Adesanya said she personally witnessed numerous instances of women joining the Odunfa Caucus because of their interest in figures like Taiwo Hassan and Yinka Quadri.
She added that this trend still exists today, noting that some newcomers enter the industry through connections, only to begin relationships with other influential figures shortly after. She also pointed out that those who initially introduce them into the industry often lack the influence to protect them, as complaints could lead to blacklisting.
Reflecting on her own journey, Adesanya emphasized that she maintained her dignity throughout her career and refused to compromise herself, even while traveling to different film locations.
She also criticized the current state of the industry, lamenting that some individuals without proper training now claim stardom simply because they have financial backing. In contrast, she highlighted that actors who trained under established theatre groups were once given stipends to support themselves while learning the craft.