‘Cinema or No Cinema, I Won’t Stop’ – Eniola Ajao Responds to Acting Critic

Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has responded to movie critic Tolu Fagbure after he questioned her acting ability and criticised her decision to take films to the cinema.

Fagbure made the comments during an interview on Agbaletu while discussing Ajao and her work in the Nigerian film industry.

The critic said he did not believe Ajao had a place in the cinema, particularly referencing her movie Ajakaju. He also compared her to actor Odunlade Adekola, saying both belonged to the same category.

According to Fagbure, Ajao’s physical appearance was her major advantage, but he questioned whether her performances could be described as acting.

He said the actress had a “fine face” and described her delivery as “plastic,” while claiming that he did not believe she possessed the talent required for acting or had developed it into a skill.

The interviewer questioned whether the criticism was too harsh.

Fagbure responded that his comments represented his personal opinion and were not meant to be regarded as an absolute judgment.

“My opinion is not sacrosanct; my opinion is not the end,” he said.

Ajao later responded to the criticism in a post on X.

Rather than indicating that she was discouraged by the comments, the actress said she would continue working, improving and allowing audiences to determine how they viewed her performances.

She also made a reference to Fagbure’s comment about her appearance.

“Ahhh, so my fine face is the only thing carrying me? After all these years?” she wrote.

Read Also: Doris Ogala Threatens to Expose Apostle Suleman, Says ‘I Know a Lot’

The actress added that she would continue doing what she knows how to do by working and growing in her profession.

She further stated that opinions were freely expressed, but careers were built through continued effort.

“After all, opinions are free, but careers are built,” Ajao said.

The actress also made it clear that criticism of her movies or the outcome of their cinema releases would not make her abandon acting.

“Cinema or no cinema, I’m not stopping anytime soon,” she added.

Ajao’s response has generated attention among entertainment followers, with the exchange highlighting the continuing debate over movie criticism, acting standards and the performance of Nollywood productions in cinemas.

For now, Ajao appears determined to continue her career despite the criticism, while Fagbure has maintained that his comments were simply his personal assessment of her work.