Debbie Shokoya Blasts Backstabbing Colleagues

NOLLYWOOD actress and producer, Debbie Shokoya, has sparked intense conversation within the Yoruba film industry after launching a blistering critique of industry “politics” and colleagues she accuses of undermining her livelihood.

In a raw and unfiltered statement released via her social media handle on Saturday, the mother of one addressed what she described as a calculated attempt to shut her out of movie roles following her transition into motherhood.

Shokoya made it clear that she is no longer interested in seeking validation or remaining in the “good books” of industry power brokers at the expense of her dignity.

“There’s a difference between being proud and knowing one’s worth! I paid my dues. I won’t shrink because I wanna be in your good book! Koni da fun book yen (That book will not be well),” she declared.

The actress specifically called out unnamed colleagues who she alleges are sabotaging her by misinforming producers about her availability. According to her, these individuals have been telling producers that she is unavailable for jobs because she is still nursing her baby.

She questioned the motives behind such actions, suggesting that the sabotage stems from her refusal to be “treated any other way” than with the respect her years in the industry have earned her.

“I am proud mo gba (I accept),” she added, defiantly embracing the label of being “proud” rather than compromising her self-worth.

The outburst comes as a surprise to some, given Shokoya’s history of public appreciation for industry leaders like Funke Akindele, whom she recently described as an “amazing woman” for her support.

However, Shokoya has never been one to shy away from controversy. In the past, she has openly criticised the production of low-quality Yoruba films on YouTube and challenged the industry to change the narrative surrounding the genre.

As of the time of this report, no official reaction has been trailed from the various actors’ guilds or the producers she addressed in her viral message.