Obi Emelonye Begs Genevieve, Omotola Over ‘Jobless’ Remarks

Nigerian movie maker, Obi Emelonye, has apologised for comments attributed to him over the weekend describing Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde as presently being jobless because of their high price tag, which producers find difficult to pay.

Obi Emelonye reportedly told an online media platform in a chat that, “Genevieve and Omotola are the two biggest actresses we have in Nollywood, they cannot afford to charge less than their status and that is where the problem comes in. Their charges are probably above what the industry can afford. Their charges are like half of the entire production budget so which producer can afford that?”

“What they can do now as it is with other big stars all over the world, is that they should begin to fund their own productions and act in them, they can act whatever role will enhance their brand, they need to start a production company now, and push themselves because they need to remain relevant and must not be seen as jobless. If corporate bodies perceive them as jobless they won’t want to do business with them, they might even price them cheap.”

Reacting to criticisms that trailed his remarks, Obi said he was misquoted by the media and regretted the scenario. He however admitted full responsibility for the whole mess. He also openly apologised to the fans of the two stars.

His full reaction is presented below as obtained by Aproko247 from him.

I woke up over the weekend to a barrage of online reports of irreverent and disrespectful headlines about Genevieve and Omotola that were attributed to me.

Without delving into too much details, my private conversations in my house with a friend; talking about what Tom Cruise did when he stopped accepting lousy film projects from the big Hollywood studios; has been misquoted, misconstrued, taken out of context and blown out of proportions.

I want to state firstly that I hold these two titans of our industry in complete veneration. (Even the misquotes could not hide that fact). I am also grateful for their unique contributions to the great success of my collaborative projects with them.

Secondly, let it be known that in the time I have known Genevieve and Omotola and in all the dealings that I have had with them, I have never for once said a misplaced word about them, privately or publicly. I have neither betrayed the confidence of their friendship nor tried to gain cheap PR fodder from confidential information I may hold.

The initiator of this cruel stunt has coined stupid headlines to attract attention to themselves. I guess they have succeeded. However, I am not going to give them further relevance by naming them to the world. So I have decided take full responsibility for my naivete in being so indiscreet; something I am not known for.

I have already personally apologised to Omotola and Genevieve for my part in this silliness. It is with their permission and without intending to stoke the fire of this publicity stunt, that I am writing to clarify the situation and also to personally and publicly apologise to the millions of fans and supporters loyal to Genevieve and Omotola who have been scandalised by this perversion.

I have had a rewarding professional relationship with these two icons of our time; based on mutual respect and it is my wish to preserve that. I sincerely hope that this wholehearted and public show of contrition would be enough for Omotola and Genevieve (and their fans) to rise above their legitimate anger about this and forgive a friend who values them more than words can say.

We learn every day. Mia culpa! Mia maxima culpa!

God bless you all.