“How a senior colleague almost ruined my career” – Actress Damilola Oni opens up

Nollywood actress Damilola Oni has opened up about a difficult experience in her career, revealing how a senior colleague once tried to block her progress in the industry.
Speaking in an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress recounted how the unnamed colleague refused to work with her, insisting they could not share the same set.
Damilola recalled a particularly painful incident when she was cast in a major lead role. After arriving on set excited and prepared, she was left unattended for several hours without explanation.
According to her, the situation only became clear when the producer later approached her to ask if she had any issues with the colleague in question. She was then told that the senior actor had given an ultimatum—either they worked with him or with her.
Faced with the situation, the producer offered her a much smaller role instead.
The actress admitted she felt hurt and considered leaving the set, but ultimately chose to stay.
“I was pained and distraught. I wanted to leave, but I told myself that walking away would mean I allowed that person to defeat me,” she said. “I believe we will both succeed in our careers. No one can stop me. The sky is big enough for everyone.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Damilola also spoke about the challenges she faces off-screen, particularly unsolicited messages from male admirers.
She revealed that she often receives explicit content, including nude photos and inappropriate comments, on her social media pages.
“Sometimes I open my Instagram in the morning and see nude pictures. Some even say watching me on TV arouses them,” she disclosed, adding that being single does not mean she welcomes such advances.
The Yoruba actress further shared her thoughts on the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, noting that visibility and self-promotion now often outweigh raw talent.
“From time immemorial, people with hype tend to go further than those with just talent,” she said. “You have to package and promote yourself, because those who should have been more recognized aren’t always the ones we see today.”