Nollywood actor Alesh Sanni has shared a deeply personal story of survival and gratitude, publicly acknowledging how fellow actress Sotayo Gaga came to his rescue during one of the darkest periods of his life. In a heartfelt Instagram post commemorating International Women’s Day, Sanni revealed the extraordinary kindness shown by his senior colleague following a traumatic incident three years ago that nearly claimed his life.
“March 6th 2022. Three years ago, I had the terrible incident of my life,” Sanni began his emotional recollection. I had an accident, was robbed, and crashed the Range Rover I was driving then. I lost everything because all I had on me that night was collected despite the accident on Lekki Road.”
The harrowing incident, which occurred on one of Lagos’ busiest thoroughfares, left the actor not only physically shaken but completely stripped of his possessions. As he described it, the combination of the accident and robbery left him utterly devastated, with nothing remaining from what he had with him that evening.
Hmmmmm I was thankful to Allah because I couldn’t believe I survived,” Sanni continued, expressing his gratitude for escaping with his life despite the traumatic circumstances. It was in this moment of profound vulnerability that Sotayo Gaga reportedly stepped in with life-changing support.
According to Sanni, Sotayo reached out directly following the incident and simply asked what he needed. When he expressed his desire to repair his damaged vehicle—a significant financial undertaking—she responded without hesitation. Hmmmm, it was a lot, but she sent the money immediately,” he revealed, still seemingly amazed by her generosity three years later.
The actor’s appreciation runs even deeper, as he noted this wasn’t the first time Sotayo had come through for him during difficult times. Chai, the same thing she did to me in 2014, paid for my first-ever flight to Dubai,” he shared, establishing a pattern of support that spans nearly a decade of their professional relationship.
For Sanni, these acts of kindness resonated particularly deeply because of his own tendency to be the giver rather than the receiver. Little things get to me because I gift people, and I’m not someone who receives from my family and friends,” he explained, highlighting how unexpected and meaningful Sotayo’s support was during his time of need.
The incident itself appears to have been more serious than previously known to the public. While it was reported at the time that Sanni had been robbed, the full extent of his predicament—including how close he came to losing his life—wasn’t fully disclosed. I almost lost my life then cos I had nothing left,” he revealed in his recent post, suggesting that the aftermath of the incident had deeper implications than just material loss.
Sotayo Gaga, whose full name is Tayo Sobola, has built a reputation not only as a talented actress, producer, and entrepreneur but apparently also as someone who supports fellow industry members behind the scenes. Her response to Sanni’s crisis—immediately providing substantial financial assistance without fanfare—speaks to character traits not always visible to the public.
This wasn’t an isolated incident of support within the Nollywood community. Sanni’s post also acknowledged other colleagues who have stood by him during challenging times. He mentioned “ADETOKUBO & SHEVY” as family and friends who supported him during the 2022 crisis, and previous public statements have highlighted the generosity of other industry figures.
In 2022, Sanni publicly thanked colleague Funmi Awelewa for “saving his life,” though he didn’t elaborate on the specifics of her assistance. He has also expressed gratitude to Mercy Aigbe, who reportedly provided financial support when he was struggling to give his mother a memorable birthday celebration during a period of financial difficulty.
These instances of mutual support paint a picture of Nollywood that extends beyond on-screen collaborations and public appearances. Behind the glamour of Nigeria’s film industry exists a network of professionals who sometimes serve as a crucial safety net for one another during personal crises.
Sanni’s decision to share this story on International Women’s Day adds another dimension to his tribute. By highlighting Sotayo’s compassion and generosity, he contributes to broader conversations about recognizing women’s multifaceted contributions—not just their professional achievements but also their personal impact on those around them.
@sotayogaga Happy International Women’s Day, my love. Thank you for loving me as your brother,” he concluded his post, framing their relationship in familial terms that transcend mere professional association.
The entertainment industry, both in Nigeria and globally, often cultivates public narratives focused on competition, rivalry, and conflict. Stories like Sanni’s offer a counterbalance, revealing the quieter moments of solidarity and support that rarely make headlines but profoundly impact individual lives.
For fans of Nigerian cinema, this glimpse behind the curtain provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationships that sustain the industry. Beyond the roles they play on screen, these actors navigate personal challenges with the help of a community that sometimes functions like an extended family.
Sanni’s public expression of gratitude also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and success in the entertainment industry. Even established figures with visible markers of achievement—like the Range Rover that Sanni was driving when the incident occurred—can find themselves suddenly vulnerable and in need of support.
As Nollywood continues to gain international recognition and expand its global footprint, these stories of interpersonal support among its practitioners highlight the human foundations upon which the industry’s growth is built. Behind every successful production are individuals who sometimes face significant personal challenges, making the community that sustains them all the more vital.
Through his heartfelt tribute, Alesh Sanni has not only honored Sotayo Gaga’s kindness but also offered a glimpse into the genuine bonds that exist beyond the cameras, scripts, and premieres that define Nollywood in the public eye.
