Mass anger rages on in Nollywood, Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, over accusations of rape, sexual assault and other improprieties made against a number of people in influential posts. These allegations, most of which are still hushed for fear of repercussions, rose on the back of the rape and murder of Uwaila Omozuwa, hitherto a student of the University of Benin, last week. This incident sparked off a conversation about sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria and Nollywood is not exempt.
How the Bubble Burst
Just as everyone complained and vented on the epidemic proportions that rape and sexual molestation is taking in the country, many Nollywood practitioners joined the raging debate on social media. However, one of these practitioners, director/producer, Victor Okpala, faced a backlash for his contributions to the discourse.
This backlash led to the revelation that he, may in fact, be a repeat culprit in the realms of Nollywood sex crimes. This is because a few women have come out as victims of his alleged sexcapades, with accusations ranging from sexual harassment to outright rape!
It started with actress, Sharon Jatto. The actress came after Okpala accusing him of hypocrisy for the dare to post anything relating to #saynotorape when he himself was an alleged sexual predator. In a now-deleted Instagram video, Jatto claimed that Okpala propositioned her when she was a minor.
In the video, Jatto said she was 17 years old at the time Okpala allegedly tried to persuade her to have sex with him in order to keep an acting role. The actress condemned him for continually harassing her and posted screenshots showing the director begging her not to expose him in order to preserve his home.
Check out the screenshots below:
And what you might call Miss Jatto’s bravery apparently encouraged others. Soon, an Instagram user with the handle @Julieezeigwe came out claiming to be another victim of Okpala and that Jatto’s exposè gave her the courage to speak out.
It, however, gets worse with a video testimony of an anonymous victim, which director, Judith Audu Foght and actor, Omowunmi Dada posted on their respective Instagram accounts. The lady in this video alleged, amidst sobs, that Okpala raped her after an audition.
Listen to her story in the Instagram video below:
Although he has not reacted to these allegations publicly even as attempts by eelive.ng to reach him via text and WhatsApp messages were not replied, the director had sent a message, (which eelive.ng obtained) to a professional group explaining his own side of the Jatto allegations.
In this post, Okpala said: “ Good morning distinguished colleagues. My attention was called to this chat I had with a lady some days ago. I did have the chat but truly and was way out of line. The messages as I see it now is(sic) misleading to say the least. It’s suggestive and can mean many things and for that am sorry.
“I have also apologised to the lady in question. The truth is I NEVER meant it the way of trying to have carnal knowledge of her. This might sound cliche now but it’s the truth. As per the issue of the adult thing; what I meant was that I was looking for actors who were experienced and mature enough to handle the roles we had.
“This clarification might not do justice to the accusation but I am really sorry if this was misunderstood. My apologies to the house as I have also extended that to the lady. Thank you.”
But this has not in any way assuaged the anger of practitioners who feel that the impropriety ultimately rubs on everyone.
And even though, only Okpala who have been accused of rape and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, accused of some other form of harassment are the two names out there currently, there is a pervasive sense that there are numerous numbers of victims who are unable to speak because of the effect it might have on their careers.
For instance, two other notable practitioners have spoken out about their experiences. One of them is actress Steph Nora Okere who claimed that the experience imposed a two-year hiatus on her immediately after it happened.
In her own case, actress Toni Tones claimed that an unnamed director promised her movie roles in exchange for sexual favours. The actress told BBC Africa in a video which she shared on her Instagram page as follows:
“One of the biggest challenges women face, I think in any industry; not just entertainment is possibly sexual harassment. Men look at women as sexual objects and feel like they are there for their pleasure.
“I got called to audition for this role; I auditioned for it three times and I finally got the role. But the director asked me if I’m willing to sleep with the executive producer to keep this role.
“When I heard that, at first, I thought he was kidding. I thought he was joking. I’m like ‘Are there cameras? Am I being punked? Are you serious?’ But he was serious. I remember telling him categorically that there is nothing in this world that I want bad enough to sleep with somebody for it. [However], I worry for young girls who are very vulnerable.”
In an interview with eelive.ng last year, actress Oyinyechi Amos told of her experience as follows:
“I should have gone very far in my acting career, if not because of sexual molestation. In 2014, when I first came into this industry through my friend who introduced me to one director, they usually call him, Uncle J, he used to direct epic films. I usually played few waka pass roles in some of his films then. And he was also teaching me how to be a continuity manager too.
“But one day, he messed up. He called me, that he has a job to direct for someone and he wanted me to go with him to the location in Ogun State. And we would be there for two weeks. I packed my bags and told my mum where I was going. My mum had his number, they had spoken on a few occasions. So she freely allowed me. I was 21 years old then. I met Uncle J in his house at Apapa, then we drove in his car to Ogun State.”
On arrival, Amos explained that they drove to some hotel where the director said they would lodge; to wait for the production manager for the shoot in the morning. She, however, was in shock, seeing that the said Uncle J planned for them to sleep in the same room.
“We checked into the same room. I told him, I have not slept in the same room with a man before and I was not comfortable with it. He said I was behaving like I am not mature. He took off his clothes, trousers and pant in my front and walked naked into the bathroom. My heart was beating so fast. I didn’t know what to do or say.”
She informed eelive.ng that when she asked him to give her the script they came to work on; he dismissed the request and asked her to leave work until the next morning. Done with his bath, he allegedly came back into the room, ordered food for two from the kitchen and then settled down to sleep.
And this is where Amos’s story gets very sordid; as she told our reporter:
“After we ate and it was time to sleep, he started his moves, touching me all over and that night, he had sex with me multiple times. I didn’t struggle with him, I just cried, but he didn’t mind. As soon as I saw daylight the next morning, I left the hotel with my things before he woke up.“
“Until today, I have not set my eyes on him again. I told my mother what happened when I got home because I didn’t hide anything from her. My mother called him and laid curses on him. Since then, my mother forbids me from chasing my acting career. It’s just now, that I am gradually coming back. I think I can handle things better now, and acting is really my passion.”
It is an Age-Long Infraction
Investigations by eelive.ng, in fact, reveal that the molestation of artistes is indeed an age-long practice in Nigeria’s film environment. Several practitioners who spoke to us indeed confessed that this practice was worse in the days when “productions took place at the Nigerian Television Authority and television stations, those people actually just railroad ladies into sexual relationships without as much as a whimper of protest in those days”, a source told us.
Another top director and producer who wanted to remain anonymous told eelive.ng that sexual assault/rape is a very old practice that transcends generations. He said that many women who experienced it in the very early days would not speak out because they are now in happy marriages and would not want to rock the boat. He, however, appealed that people should realise that it is a serious matter that should not be trivialised. We should avoid a situation where people will cook up stories and water down the pains of those who have truly been victims.”
Yet another respondent who preferred not to be named indicated that: ” there will be many of these things in coming days and I pray they all come now so we can clean the house. You will be shocked to hear that many young men are also harassed and molested by powerful women, that girls are not just molested by men but also older women and that some of the women who are making loud noise now are also guilty of pimping and supplying girls to older practitioners and politicians. There is just a lot of rot that the industry must address to be taken seriously. I know for a fact that this has gone on almost forever.”
Mass Communications teacher, film critic and performing artiste, Dr Shuaibu Hussein also said this much in an interview with eelive.ng.
The documentarist pointed out that: ” the issue of rape and sexual molestation is not new in Nollywood and indeed the entire spectrum of the arts and entertainment industry. It is also not peculiar to the entertainment industry.
“It is in all sectors of human endeavour as long as there are men and women working together. So it has been there. It has been happening. The reason we didn’t get to hear much of it back then is because the victims were too afraid to speak up.
“And even when they had the courage to speak out back then, they had limited avenues to do so. Besides, the industry grew on a clique or powerful bloc system where victims are easily blacklisted.”
Why Things Must Change
Narratives like this, which promote suggestions that it is impossible for careers to prosper in Nollywood without making sexual compromises, are what anger people like actress, Omowumi Dada.
This is not because it cast talented and hardworking people who have attained on their own steam as grovellers, but also because it does a lot of harm to the reputation of the industry. It may in fact stop a lot of talented people from venturing in. For this reason, the actress insists that Nollywood must rise up to clean the Augean Stable.
Although Dada told eelive.ng that she had never personally experienced sexual harassment of any kind, she said that suggesting that every woman must surrender to these molestations to do well in Nollywood “extremely disrespectful to victims of rape, coercion, intimidation, harassment.
“It is derogatory to people who have worked very hard to be where they are. Someone out there will probably just imagine that all of the hard work that will be put into our craft is needless. I know someone who wanted to be an actor but she decided to start baking when she heard of this molestation issue. That is a raw talent that the industry has lost.
“Do we know how many more people like that. Do you know how many families will say ‘God forbid my daughter can never become an actor’ and then, the child’s dreams would just die like that. This has to stop.”
Actor, Seun Ajayi, echoed similar sentiments on his Instagram handle when he urged men in the industry to make the work environment safer for ladies. Ajayi confirmed he has personally witnessed instances of molestation of women on film sets.
The actor said the practice happens at every all through the hierarchy in the industry suggesting: “…it’s not only rape. To be inappropriate with your language is harassment, it is sexual harassment.
“The reason why these things are still sliding is that nobody has been arraigned in court for sexual harassment, nobody has lost their endorsement for sexual harassment. It’s coming and we need to be careful, my brothers, we need to be careful. We can’t continue to just act. We have to think before we do it.”
Veteran actor Richard Mofe Damijo expressed his frustration about the unfortunate situation in a film group, FILMIC. In the intervention which eelive.ng obtained, RMD said: “The events of the last day have left me also angry and frustrated. My heart goes to every woman that has had to endure rape or abuse at any level.”
He condemned the belief that the discourse on consent is too complex to understand. He said, “For me, the word “No” has no grey areas when it comes to a woman’s body. No is No. Stop is stop. There is no excuse for the despicable behaviour of some of us in this industry and our relationship with the women.”
RMD then made his stance clearer saying, ” I stand with every woman that has a sad tale to tell. I am an unrepentant advocate for women’s rights. I hope the women would have more courage to call out more perpetrators now that some have dared to.”
Veterans directors/producers weigh in…
Three front-line producers and directors in the industry spoke to eelive.ng about the current situation, all united in the view that it does not speak well of the environment.
Respected filmmaker, Mildred Okwo said that the current situation is an indication for everyone in the industry to have a rethink of their mode of operation.
According to her: “It is just appalling and the onus is on us to clean this up now. This industry attracts all kinds of predators. Many of them use their various platforms to try to lure impressionable women and men.
“But this pandemic has given us the opportunity to be quiet, to think and ponder for a few months. God has told the whole world to stop for a while, we should think about what we are doing and organise better.
“I think the industry is chaotic and this is the reason some of these things happen. I think this is long overdue. This is a wake-up call for everybody to try to clean things out. Our guilds need to start doing something. We need to start to take personal stock of how each of us does things.
“One of the first things I tell people anytime I teach filmmaking is to control your libido because if you don’t, it can lead to your downfall. You don’t make good films when you don’t put the best people in there.
“We must provide a means of redress before this gets out of hand. We should become a beacon for the country; because sexual harassment is a disease that festers in every facet of Nigeria’s corporate and non-corporate life”.
Another, respected director/producer, Kabat Esosa Egbon described the situation as sad and draining. He prayed that everyone who has been a victim of abuse will find healing. The director said further that: “I believe this will be a wake-up call for directors and producers to be circumspect with ladies, no matter what.
“Positions of influence should not be a reason to play god. I always tell aspiring actresses not to be swayed by sweet tongues that promise them stardom for a price of their body; or those who even ask for money. If you have talent, it will always show. It only takes time.
Frontline director cum producer, Tope Oshin told eelive.ng that the current conversations are long overdue and provide an opportunity for the issues to be dealt with headlong.
In her words: “This would make the film industry a safer place to practice in for both genders, where mutual respect and professionalism are the order of the day. I’m excited about this evolution and look forward to the future of Nollywood in this light.
“I commend everyone who has spoken out, sharing their painful past experiences and naming their abusers, and I encourage other ladies, and guys (yes, guys), to share their harassment stories as well. I look forward to these conversations leading to appropriate investigations and legal action/justice.
“Rape and sexual violations and harassment have long-running and life-altering psychological effects and trauma to the victims and should never be swept under the carpet.”
What To Do
Another found guilty of abusing their office, in the opinion of Hussein: “should have his or her practice license withdrawn and handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution; to serve as a deterrent.”
“By the time we have two or three people in jail”, he continued, “the others would sit up.
Hussein maintained that : “sexual molestation and rape is evil and criminal and should not be encouraged. People should get roles on merit and not offer their bodies to be able to express their God-given talents. As we speak there are people who are still molesting talents from Kano to Abia and from Onitsha to Lagos.
“Victims need to speak out. It is their talent that will make them stars; not how many times they star in movies by rapists.”
On what to do next, Ms Oshin, who is one of the most accomplished professionals around having started out as an actor suggested that: ” young ladies and men (which includes newcomers in the industry looking for opportunities), should refuse to give anything other than their creative and professional abilities and talents towards getting crew jobs or acting roles within the industry. Also, avoid one on one private meetings with people who promise you these jobs.
“Auditions, casting sessions, and crew job interviews should hold professionally in public spaces or office spaces. Not in private hotel rooms alone with these abusers. Be vigilant, careful and always ask questions respectfully for clarity. And most importantly, report any form of harassment or violence to the appropriate authorities immediately.”
One of our anonymous sources insisted that : what everyone is feasting on now is about the men, but we haven’t heard of all of it. I am hoping that more ladies will speak up about what they experience with production managers, assistant directors and what have you.
“But then, there is more than that and I am hoping that the current outrage will encourage everyone victim no matter who they are to speak to out so this matter can be put to rest in some enduring form.” Additionally, he expressed the hope that people would only bring up genuine cases and not trivialise the issue.
Meanwhile, the social media industry group FILMIC, will this evening host a two-hour discussion on “Curbing sexual harassment in the Nigerian entertainment industry”. The newspaper also learnt that the group might be interested in investigating the current allegations just as the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria provided help lines through which its members can report any form of harassment even as discussions go on about instituting a more disciplined industry.
