Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Afolayan, popularly known as Lola Idije, has addressed a long-standing misconception about her personality, clarifying that her on-screen roles do not reflect who she is in real life.
Often cast as the tough, no-nonsense mother-in-law in Yoruba movies, Lola Idije has become synonymous with dramatic and fiery characters.
However, she insists that away from the cameras, she is a soft-spoken, modest, and deeply spiritual woman.
Speaking in a candid conversation with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya, the celebrated film star revealed that her ability to play these strong characters convincingly stems from her faith in God and her disciplined lifestyle.
“My lifestyle is simple. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. People think I am like the characters I play in movies, but I am not. It is just acting,” she explained.
Lola Idije credited her late “brother,” Adeyemi Afolayan, fondly known as Ade Love, for shaping her career and instilling in her the principles that guide her work ethic to this day. Ade Love, one of Nollywood’s earliest pioneers, was instrumental in giving her exposure to the industry and teaching her the importance of discipline in acting.
Her breakthrough came in 1995 with the film Deadly Affair, where she portrayed Madam Adisa, a performance that earned her widespread recognition and marked the beginning of a prolific career.
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Since then, she has become a staple of Yoruba cinema, starring in dozens of films and earning the admiration of audiences for her memorable roles.
Beyond her acting, Lola Idije is credited with popularising viral catchphrases that have transcended film into everyday Nigerian pop culture.
Expressions such as “Soro Soke Werey” (loosely translated as “Speak Up”) and “Pele My Dear” have become internet slang, widely used on social media platforms to express humour and commentary on social issues.
These phrases have helped introduce her work to a younger generation, many of whom first encountered her through short clips circulating on platforms like TikTok and Instagram before seeking out her classic movies on online streaming services.
Despite decades in the film industry, Lola Idije remains one of Yoruba Nollywood’s most respected figures. Her ability to breathe life into challenging roles has earned her a loyal fanbase and kept her relevant in an evolving industry.
By clarifying her true personality, she hopes to remind fans that acting is a craft, one that allows her to inhabit characters far removed from her personal reality.
“I just want people to know that what they see on screen is not who I am. Acting is my job, and I give it my all,” she said.
