Bolaji Ogunmola is a Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and entrepreneur who has established herself as one of Nollywood’s versatile talents. She first came into the spotlight as a contestant on the 2013 Next Movie Star reality show and has since appeared in over 100 film and television productions, steadily establishing a strong presence across the industry.
She recently appeared in Blood Sisters Season 2, an EbonyLife Studios production, further expanding her growing portfolio of screen credits. Her latest cinema project, Ajosepo, is also recording impressive performance at the box office.

In this interview with Vanguard Allure, Ogunmola reflects on her career journey, creative challenges, relationship perspectives, and more.

Beyond acting, what inspired you to venture into production on projects like Ajosepo (The Gathering)?
I have always had a deep love for telling stories that are authentic and genuine to our people. Nigeria is blessed with so many rich cultures, experiences, and perspectives, and I believe our stories deserve to be told in a way that reflects who we truly are. There are countless stories that I am passionate about, stories that entertain, inspire, challenge, and create meaningful conversations. For me, storytelling is more than just creating films; it is about preserving experiences, celebrating our identity, and connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Every story has the potential to touch someone’s life, and that is what excites me the most about this profession.

As a producer, what do you look for in a script before giving it the green light?
Honestly, I am always searching for stories that have soul. By that, I mean stories that feel real, stories that have depth, emotion, and truth. I need to connect with a story before I can commit myself to it. If I cannot believe in it, it becomes difficult for me to bring my best to the project. The stories that stay with audiences are usually the ones that make them feel something. They remind us of our own experiences, our hopes, fears, and dreams. Whether it is a drama, romance, comedy, or thriller, there has to be a human element that resonates deeply. Those are the kinds of stories that attract me the most.

What was the most challenging aspect of filming Ajosepo and how has the audience response been at the cinemas?
The most challenging part of working on the sequel was bringing everyone together again. Many of the actors were part of the first installment, and coordinating schedules can be extremely difficult because everyone is working on different projects at different times. It required a lot of planning, patience, and flexibility to ensure that we could get the cast together and make the project work. Despite the challenges, it was worth every effort. The response from audiences has been incredibly encouraging and rewarding. It is always satisfying when people embrace a project you have invested so much time and energy into. In fact, many viewers have told us they enjoyed this installment even more than the first, and that kind of feedback means a lot to us.

Can you tell us more about the film? What did it cost to bring this project to life?
Producing films like these is not a small undertaking. It costs an arm and a leg to make quality films, especially when you want to maintain high production standards. There are expenses involved at every stage, from development and pre-production to filming, post-production, marketing, and distribution. People often see the finished product without fully realising how much work, sacrifice, and financial investment went into creating it. Filmmaking is both an art and a business, and balancing those two realities can be challenging. However, when you are passionate about storytelling, you find ways to push through the obstacles because you believe in the value of what you are creating.

What was the atmosphere on set like, working with such a star-studded cast?
One of my favourite things about this project was the atmosphere on set. The entire experience felt like a celebration. We worked hard, of course, but there was also so much laughter, camaraderie, and positive energy. Everyone involved was passionate about the project, and that created an environment where people could do their best work while genuinely enjoying themselves. Those are the kinds of experiences you remember long after filming is over. When a cast and crew connect well, it often translates onto the screen, and I think audiences can feel that sense of joy and authenticity when they watch the final product.

What’s one funny or unforgettable behind-the-scenes moment fans might not know?
There were many memorable moments during the production, but one that stands out for me was when Kunle Afolayan hosted us at his home at KAP. It was such a special experience because it brought everyone together in a relaxed and meaningful way. Moments like that remind you that filmmaking is not just about the work itself; it is also about the relationships you build along the way. Sharing experiences with talented people you admire and respect is one of the greatest privileges of this profession. It is a memory I will always cherish.

Have you ever missed out on a role you felt you deserved? What exactly happened?
I have learned not to dwell on missed opportunities. My philosophy is simple: whatever I missed was not meant for me. Life has a way of directing us toward what is truly ours, and I believe every experience, whether positive or negative, serves a purpose. Instead of focusing on what could have been, I prefer to focus on what lies ahead. There is always another opportunity, another challenge, another story waiting to be told. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and continue growing.

What kinds of roles challenge you the most at this point in your career?
At this point in my career, I do not think there are many roles that intimidate me. I enjoy challenging myself and exploring different characters. Recently, I played a prisoner in the new season of Blood Sisters, which is currently streaming on Netflix. It was a role that allowed me to step into a very different world and approach a character from a unique perspective. That is one of the things I love most about acting. Every role gives you the chance to experience life through someone else’s eyes. Whether the character is heroic, flawed, vulnerable, or strong, there is always something new to discover.

How do you switch off after playing intense romantic roles, especially ones involving deep kissing?
One of the most important skills I have developed as an actor is learning how to separate myself from the characters I play. Some roles can be emotionally demanding, and if you are not careful, you can carry that emotional weight with you long after filming ends. I have learned to leave the character on set. After an intense day of work, I go home as Bolaji Ogunmola, not as the person I portrayed on screen. That separation helps me maintain balance and protect my mental and emotional well-being. Acting requires empathy, but it is important to remember who you are outside of the role.

What is your partner’s view on the romantic roles you portray?
Fortunately, my family and the people closest to me understand the nature of my work. They know that acting is a profession and that the characters I play are not a reflection of who I am in real life. Their understanding and support have been incredibly valuable throughout my career. Having people around you who believe in your dreams and respect your craft makes a significant difference. It creates a strong support system that allows you to focus on your work while staying grounded.

What’s a common misconception people still have about you as an actress?
At the moment, there are no particular roles or genres that I feel I need to explore. I have reached a point where I am open to whatever opportunities come my way, provided the story is compelling and meaningful. I believe every project should challenge you in some way, whether emotionally, creatively, or professionally. As long as the material is strong and the character has depth, I am willing to take the journey.

Do you believe it’s more difficult for women in Nollywood to keep healthy relationships?
I do not believe in the idea that meaningful relationships are impossible to find. Relationships require effort, patience, understanding, and commitment from both people involved. Every relationship is unique, and there is no single formula for success. The important thing is finding someone whose values align with yours and being willing to build something together. It may not always be easy, but with mutual respect, communication, and genuine care, people can create relationships that work for them. I believe everyone has the opportunity to find their person.

What qualities are essential for you in a partner?
One quality I find especially attractive in a man is kindness. Kindness influences the way a person treats others, handles challenges, and navigates relationships. It is a quality that often reveals strength, empathy, and emotional maturity. Physical appearance may catch your attention initially, but character is what sustains meaningful connections over time. A kind person creates a sense of comfort and security, and those qualities are invaluable.

Have you ever had to choose between love and your professional goals?
No. I believe in being authentic and honest about who I am. Life is too short to spend it pretending to be someone else. The people who truly matter will appreciate you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. Authenticity allows you to build genuine relationships and live with confidence. It also gives you the freedom to focus on growth rather than perfection.

What is your biggest deal-breaker in relationships?
One trait I find difficult to tolerate is unkindness. How people treat others says a lot about their character. Kindness costs nothing, yet it has the power to make a tremendous difference in someone’s life. I believe respect, empathy, and consideration should be basic qualities in any relationship, whether personal or professional. When those qualities are absent, it becomes difficult to build meaningful connections.

Do you see yourself focusing more on producing in future or balancing both equally?
I definitely see myself balancing both acting and producing. I love being in front of the camera, but I also enjoy the creative and strategic aspects of bringing projects to life behind the scenes. One area that excites me tremendously is the work we do on Bolaji Ogunmola TV on YouTube. It gives us the opportunity to create Nigerian films for a global audience while maintaining creative freedom. Digital platforms have opened up incredible opportunities for storytellers, and I am excited about what the future holds in that space.

Do you have any guilty pleasures, such as favourite food, TV shows, or habits you often indulge in?
Absolutely. Outside of work, I enjoy food and travel whenever I have the opportunity. Food is such an important part of culture and identity, and I love discovering new cuisines and experiences. Traveling also allows me to gain new perspectives, meet different people, and learn about other cultures. It can be refreshing and inspiring, especially after spending long periods focused on work. Sometimes the best creative ideas come when you step away from your routine and experience something new.

How important is fitness or wellness in your lifestyle, and how do you stay consistent?
Staying active is important to me. The demands of the entertainment industry can be intense, so I make an effort to prioritise my health and well-being. I am naturally on my feet a lot because of the nature of my work, but I also make time for the gym whenever possible. Exercise helps me stay physically fit, manage stress, and maintain the energy needed to keep up with a busy schedule. Health is one of those things you cannot take for granted, so I try to be intentional about taking care of myself.

If you weren’t working in the film industry, what might you be doing instead?
If I were not an actor or filmmaker, I think I would probably have pursued a career in real estate development. It is an industry that fascinates me because it combines creativity, business, and long-term vision. I enjoy the idea of creating spaces and transforming environments in ways that positively impact people’s lives. That said, there are many things I believe I could have done successfully. I am naturally curious and enjoy exploring different opportunities. However, I am grateful for the path I chose because storytelling has given me experiences, relationships, and opportunities that I would not trade for anything.