Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has refused to be discouraged by criticism from movie critic Tolu Fagbure, saying she will continue working and allow audiences to judge her performances.
Fagbure recently criticised Ajao during an interview on Agbaletu, where he questioned her acting ability and argued that she should not be taking movies to the cinema.
Discussing Ajao, the critic referenced her film Ajakaju and said he did not believe she had any business taking the production to cinemas.
He also compared her with actor Odunlade Adekola and questioned whether her performances could be regarded as genuine acting.
According to Fagbure, Ajao’s appearance was her strongest advantage. He described her as having a “fine face” but criticised her delivery and said he did not believe she had demonstrated the talent required for acting.
The interviewer challenged the severity of the comments by asking whether the assessment was too brutal.
Fagbure responded by stressing that he was giving his personal opinion.
“That’s my opinion. My opinion is not sacrosanct; my opinion is not the end,” he said.
Ajao subsequently addressed the criticism in a post on X, appearing determined not to allow the remarks to affect her career.
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She sarcastically questioned the suggestion that her appearance was the only reason for her continued success in Nollywood.
“Ahhh, so my fine face is the only thing carrying me? After all these years?” she wrote.
The actress then said she would continue working on her craft and growing professionally while allowing viewers to determine their own assessment of her performances.
“I will just keep doing what I know how to do: work, grow and let the audience decide,” she stated.
Ajao added that although opinions could be freely expressed, building a career required consistency and commitment.
“After all, opinions are free, but careers are built,” she said.
She also made it clear that the performance of her movies at the cinema would not determine whether she continued acting.
“Cinema or no cinema, I’m not stopping anytime soon. Ire oo,” Ajao added.
The exchange between the actress and the critic has sparked discussion among Nollywood followers about acting standards, film criticism and the role of audiences in determining the success of actors and movies.
While Fagbure has described his comments as his personal opinion, Ajao has chosen to respond by reaffirming her commitment to acting and promising to continue improving her work.