Clemson Agbogidi recalls why Liz Benson allegedly left a movie set after seeing his native doctor portrayal and discusses traditional African beliefs
Nollywood actor Clemson Cornell Agbogidi has recalled an unusual encounter with veteran actress Liz Benson on a movie set, claiming she became uncomfortable and refused to continue acting after seeing his portrayal of a native doctor.
Agbogidi made the claim while reflecting on his experience playing traditional characters and the realism he brought to the role.
According to the actor, Benson believed the production had brought an actual native doctor to the set after watching his performance.
“Liz Benson ran away and refused to act after what I did on set! She said they brought a real native doctor to act with her,” Agbogidi said.
The actor’s account has generated interest among film enthusiasts, particularly because of Benson’s reputation as one of Nollywood’s respected veteran actresses.
Agbogidi also used the experience to discuss traditional African religious practices and the perception of indigenous beliefs.
He argued that Africans who practised indigenous religions before the spread of Christianity should not automatically be regarded as evil.
“Before Christianity, our forefathers were there. Most of those who worshipped idols were not evil,” he said.
His comments have prompted varied reactions online, with some social media users focusing on his ability to convincingly portray traditional characters.
One commenter praised his performance, writing that he was “really a great actor” and interpreted his account as evidence of how convincingly he played the role.
Agbogidi’s recollection adds another colourful episode to the long history of Nollywood productions, where actors often rely on striking costumes, mannerisms and intense characterisation to create believable traditional roles.
However, his account of Benson’s reaction remains his personal recollection, and no independent confirmation from Benson was provided in the material available for this report.
The incident also comes amid wider conversations in Nigerian entertainment about the portrayal of indigenous spirituality and traditional practices in film.
Separately, rapper Odumodublvck has attracted attention after claiming that controversial cleric Prophet Odumeje warned him about an alleged vision involving an attempt to detain and poison him.
The rapper shared the claim on X, saying he had been told that people wanted to harm him and expressing his belief that he would remain protected.
The post generated mixed reactions, with some users questioning the decision to publicise an alleged private spiritual warning, while others mocked the claim.
The two incidents have sparked separate online conversations around spirituality, traditional beliefs and the increasingly personal nature of celebrity disclosures on social media.
