TV & Radio Interviews

Oga Bello's 60th & Her Excellency Premiere

At the glamorous convergence of two monumental events — the 60th anniversary celebration of Nollywood legend Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, and the star-studded premiere of the much-anticipated political drama Her Excellency — veteran actor Olaiya Igwe was seen warmly greeting former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola. The moment captured in a viral video has stirred admiration and conversation across Nigeria’s entertainment and political scenes. Held at a prestigious venue in Lagos, the evening brought together an eclectic mix of film industry icons, political dignitaries, and fans of both Oga Bello and Nigerian cinema. What was supposed to be just another red-carpet affair turned into a nostalgic and respectful moment when Olaiya Igwe approached Fashola with deep reverence and extended his heartfelt greetings.

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The short but impactful exchange underscored the long-standing relationship between Nollywood and Nigerian political figures. Olaiya Igwe, a respected thespian and filmmaker known for his expressive roles and influence in Yoruba cinema, has often used his platform to connect social themes with governance, public responsibility, and cultural heritage. His greeting to the former governor, delivered with grace and humility, was perceived by many as a sign of mutual respect between the entertainment and political spheres. The Her Excellency movie premiere, which doubled as a tribute to Oga Bello’s remarkable 60 years in the film industry, was a fitting backdrop for such dignified interactions. The film, directed by Odunlade Adekola and produced by Femi Adebayo, dives into the nuanced world of female leadership in Nigeria — a timely and powerful narrative in the country’s current socio-political climate. It features a compelling cast, including Bimbo Ademoye, Kehinde Bankole, and Femi Adebayo himself, and has already begun generating buzz as one of 2025’s must-watch Nigerian films.

Olaiya Igwe’s attendance at the event was no surprise, given his strong ties to the Yoruba film community and longstanding collaboration with Oga Bello and his sons, particularly Femi Adebayo. His public acknowledgment of Fashola was captured on several media outlets and widely shared on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. In the video, which has since gone viral, Olaiya is seen bowing slightly, exchanging warm pleasantries with Fashola, who smiles appreciatively — a moment now being celebrated as a subtle but powerful display of cultural respect and unity. What makes this moment particularly noteworthy is its symbolic representation of intergenerational and interdisciplinary respect. Olaiya Igwe, who has dedicated decades to entertaining and educating Nigerians through film, extending his greetings to a prominent political figure like Fashola, is a nod to how art and governance can coexist, intersect, and influence each other. In a nation where both the entertainment industry and political leadership face intense public scrutiny, such scenes provide a refreshing reminder of shared humanity and mutual regard.

This development also reinforces the growing influence of Nollywood in national discourse. As the industry evolves into a global force, events like this — where film premieres intersect with national celebrations and political commentary — demonstrate its power to shape not just stories but social relationships. The Her Excellency premiere, boosted by moments like the Olaiya-Fashola greeting, is more than just a cinematic launch; it’s a celebration of legacy, leadership, and cultural diplomacy. For many, this encounter will remain a highlight of the event, further solidifying Olaiya Igwe’s status not just as a screen veteran but as a dignified cultural ambassador. The video has drawn thousands of views, sparking conversations about respect, history, and the potential of Nollywood to unify Nigerians across class and generation.

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