Eniola Ajao Fires Back After Critic Questions Her Talent

Eniola Ajao responds after critic Tolu Fagbure questions her acting talent, saying she will keep working and let audiences decide

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Eniola Ajao has responded to film critic Tolu Fagbure after he questioned her acting ability and claimed that she had not developed the talent required to establish herself as a skilled actress.

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Fagbure made the comments during an interview on Agbaletu while discussing Ajao and her career in the Nigerian film industry.

When asked about Ajao, Fagbure said he did not believe her acting was suitable for cinema and argued that her physical appearance was her major advantage.

“I don’t think her acting has a place. I don’t think that is acting at all. She has a fine face, plastic delivery. The only thing she has going for her is her fine face; that’s admirable. I don’t think she has talent, let alone developing it into skill,” Fagbure said.

The interviewer questioned whether the assessment was too harsh, but Fagbure maintained that he was expressing his personal view.

“That’s my opinion. My opinion is not sacrosanct; my opinion is not the end,” he said.

Ajao later responded to the remarks in a post on X, appearing to question the suggestion that her appearance was the main reason for her career.

“Ahhh, so my fine face is the only thing carrying me? After all these years?” she wrote.

The actress said she would rather remain focused on her work and allow audiences to make their own judgments about her performances.

“I will just keep doing what I know how to do: work, grow and let the audience decide. After all, opinions are free, but careers are built,” Ajao said.

She also made it clear that the criticism would not make her abandon her career in the film industry.

“Cinema or no cinema, I’m not stopping anytime soon. Ire oo,” she added.

Ajao has built a career in Nollywood as an actress and filmmaker, with several appearances in Yoruba-language and English-language productions.

She was also involved in the 2023 film Ajakaju, which attracted attention following its release and theatrical run.

The latest exchange has sparked further discussion about acting standards, film criticism and the challenges performers face in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment industry.

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While Fagbure described his assessment as an opinion, Ajao has indicated that she intends to continue developing her career and allow her work and audience response to shape her reputation.