Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule recently appeared on Super Saturday Lounge, where he confronted rumors and addressed allegations concerning his personal life and professional conduct. During the candid interview, Odule tackled various sensitive topics, including his alleged relationship with the late actress Bisi Komolafe, accusations of disrespect towards elders, and misconceptions about his family.
Interviewer: "There are rumors about your romantic involvement with the late Bisi Komolafe. What can you say about that?"
Odule dismissed the rumors outright, explaining that there was no truth to the allegations. He said, "I am old enough to be her father. I had no romantic ties with Bisi Komolafe, and there was never a fight between us. The controversy around us was purely political. I was only trying to uphold the ethics and constitution of our association."
Interviewer: "A veteran actor, Chief Lere Paimo, accused you of not respecting elders, and it’s said you had issues with Yinka Quadri and Bisi Komolafe on set. What is your response?"
Odule clarified that his long-standing relationship with Chief Paimo began decades ago, and it was only during his 2009 presidential bid for the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners that issues arose. "I’ve known Baba Paimo for over 20 years, and we had no issues until I ran for president in 2009. If I was disrespectful, why did it take 15 years for him to speak up?" Odule questioned, subtly challenging the timing of the allegations.
Regarding Yinka Quadri, Odule said, "I never had any quarrel with Yinka Quadri. Whatever issues there were, I wasn’t involved. I don’t even know if Quadri and Bisi had anything together, but it didn’t concern me."
Interviewer: "There were also claims that Jide Kosoko was trying to impose you as the association’s president. Is that true?"
Odule addressed the political angle, saying, "If Jide Kosoko wanted to support me, it’s not a sin. Anyone who believes I can steer the association in the right direction has every right to support me. I’ve never heard Jide Kosoko say there shouldn’t be an election. People are being too sentimental about this issue."
Interviewer: "You’re known to have several children, with reports suggesting you have around ten from different women. Is this common for actors?"
Odule shrugged off the question, pointing out that public figures often face more scrutiny. "Yes, I have children, but actors aren’t the only ones with large families. Look at people like former Head of State Sani Abacha or business mogul MKO Abiola. Even musicians like Sunny Ade have many children. Everyone has skeletons, but because we are public figures, our private lives are in the spotlight. Let’s not forget the biblical saying—judge not, lest ye be judged."
Odule concluded by emphasizing that the controversies surrounding him are often exaggerated or misunderstood. His main goal, he said, remains to uphold the integrity of the profession he loves, while navigating the complexities of being a public figure in Nigeria.
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