Veteran Yoruba actor Olaiya Igwe has opened up about a decades-old regret that continues to haunt him—disappointing gospel sensation Tope Alabi and her husband Soji on their wedding day. In a soul-baring interview with Baba Ibe TV, the actor revealed how a promise unfulfilled has cast a long shadow over their relationship, even as their fortunes have dramatically reversed over the years.
The incident, which Olaiya describes as his “biggest regret,” occurred when the gospel singer approached him before her wedding, requesting to use his prized Mercedes-Benz V-Boot for the celebration. At the time, Olaiya was riding high on the success of his film “Olalade Mr Money” and had recently purchased the luxury vehicle, even personalizing it with “Ololade Mr Money 1” inscriptions before receiving its official license plate.
What hurt me most and still hurts me is what I did to my younger sister, singer Tope Alabi,” Olaiya confessed during the interview. She informed me about her wedding, and I had just bought a car, ‘V boot’, at that time. It was when I did ‘Olalade Mr Money’ movie.”
According to the actor, he initially agreed to Tope’s request when she visited his home in Abeokuta. “Big brother, please, we want to use your car for our wedding,” he recalled her saying, to which he responded, “No problem.” However, what should have been a simple gesture of goodwill became complicated by Olaiya’s recent traumatic experience.
Just before this conversation, Olaiya had traveled to Ibadan in Oyo State to promote one of his films when armed robbers stole his cherished Mercedes. Although the vehicle was recovered the following day after news of the theft spread across radio stations and other media platforms, the incident left the actor deeply shaken and paranoid about his car’s security.
This fear ultimately led to his controversial decision. “After she left, I had a second thought: what if armed robbers snatched the car from them?” Olaiya explained. Rather than communicating his concerns directly, the actor took a more evasive approach. I stopped picking up her calls a day before the wedding. I didn’t give her the car. I disappointed Tope Alabi.”
The manner of his withdrawal—ignoring calls rather than offering an explanation or alternative solution—appears to have deepened the wound. Wedding days are meticulously planned occasions, and the last-minute absence of an expected vehicle would have caused significant stress for the couple during an already pressure-filled time.
What makes this regret particularly poignant for Olaiya is the dramatic reversal of fortunes that followed. While he once possessed a luxury car that the young gospel singer needed to borrow, their financial trajectories have since moved in opposite directions. Tope Alabi has risen to become one of Nigeria’s most successful gospel artists with an impressive fleet of vehicles, while Olaiya has experienced financial challenges.
But she now has countless luxury cars, some of which I cannot afford,” he acknowledged with a hint of irony. “So, up till today, I’m still in pain that I offended Tope Alabi.”
The actor revealed that he has attempted to make amends, seeking forgiveness during a professional meeting in Ogun State. However, his tone suggested that while words of forgiveness may have been exchanged, the emotional distance created by the incident has never fully healed.
This revelation comes amid broader conversations about relationships within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Just last year, another actor, Yemi My Lover, publicly discussed his own strained relationship with Tope Alabi, recounting how the gospel singer had made extraordinary efforts to connect with him and how her mother had entrusted her to his care. These parallel narratives suggest that Tope Alabi, despite her success, values personal connections and loyalty—making Olaiya’s wedding day disappointment all the more significant.
The story resonates with many Nigerians familiar with the cultural importance of weddings and the community support typically surrounding them. In Nigerian traditions, weddings represent not just the union of two individuals but the coming together of families and communities. Friends and mentors are expected to contribute to the celebration’s success, making Olaiya’s last-minute withdrawal particularly meaningful within this cultural context.
The actor’s candid admission also sheds light on how past actions can continue to affect relationships years later, especially when they occur during significant life events. For many viewers, Olaiya’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear communication during difficult situations and the lasting consequences of letting fear override commitments.
Industry observers note that Olaiya’s public expression of regret might be part of a larger attempt at reconciliation with various colleagues as he navigates the later stages of his career. The Yoruba film industry, like many creative communities, thrives on collaborative relationships, and burned bridges can significantly impact professional opportunities.
For her part, Tope Alabi has not publicly responded to Olaiya’s recent confession. The gospel singer, known for her inspirational music and messages of forgiveness, has built a career on themes of grace and reconciliation—principles that may ultimately determine whether this decades-old wedding day disappointment can finally be put to rest.
As the story circulates through Nigeria’s entertainment circles, it has sparked discussions about mentorship, loyalty, and the complex interpersonal dynamics that underpin the country’s vibrant creative industries. Whether Olaiya’s public acknowledgment of his regret will lead to genuine healing remains to be seen, but his willingness to confront this painful chapter suggests a desire for resolution that many find admirable, regardless of how long overdue it may be.
