Nollywood actor Ibrahim Yekini, widely known as Itele, has publicly called out an unnamed female colleague for allegedly spreading gossip about him. The “Kesari” star took to Instagram on September 29, 2024, to address the situation, sparking intense discussions about professional ethics and relationships in the competitive world of Nollywood.
Itele’s 2.5 million Instagram followers were taken aback by a post that broke from his usual content of film promotions and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The actor wrote, “Dear female colleague, I want to address something that’s been bothering me. I’ve noticed some gossip about me, and it seems to be coming from you.”
The post, which quickly garnered over 1,000 likes and 60 comments, continued with Itele expressing his confusion and hurt over the situation. “I don’t understand why this is happening, as I have never done anything to offend you,” he stated, highlighting the seemingly unprovoked nature of the alleged gossip.
As news of Itele’s post spread through Nollywood circles, industry insiders were quick to weigh in. Director Kunle Afolayan, known for his critically acclaimed films, commented, “This public approach is unusual but speaks to the seriousness of the issue. Professionalism is key in our industry.”
Speculation about the identity of the female colleague in question has run rampant, with fans and fellow actors alike trying to decipher clues from Itele’s post. However, the actor has remained tight-lipped about specifics, focusing instead on the broader issue of respect among colleagues.
Itele’s post went beyond simply addressing the gossip, touching on themes of hard work and professional achievement. We work in different roles, and I worked so hard to be here,” he wrote, adding the Yoruba phrase “Anu mi Mori gba,” which loosely translates to “Have mercy on me, I beg you.
The actor’s plea resonated with many in the industry. Veteran actress Joke Silva shared her thoughts: “Our industry thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. It’s disheartening to see such issues arise, but Itele’s approach of addressing it openly may lead to positive changes.”
Itele concluded his post with a powerful statement about unity: “Speeding gossip to create division between people who love each other reveals more about their own insecurities than the truth of those they speak about. True strength lies in building bridges, not burning them!”
For now, Itele’s post stands as a stark reminder of the personal challenges that can arise in the high-pressure world of Nigerian cinema. As fans and colleagues alike await further developments, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about professionalism, respect, and the power of words in shaping careers and relationships in Nollywood.
