Nollywood actor Olaide Olabanji has stirred debate after claiming he played a key role in the rise of actress Mercy Aigbe, alleging that their once-close relationship has now deteriorated.
In a recent interview, Olabanji expressed disappointment over what he described as a breakdown in communication between them, suggesting that their relationship has changed significantly over the years.
The actor recounted that he first met Aigbe in 2004 and offered her an opportunity to venture into acting.
“I was the one who introduced Mercy Aigbe to the industry. I met her at a shop and asked if she could act. She agreed, and I helped her get started. But now, it feels like I no longer exist in her life, which is painful considering how things began,” he said.
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His remarks have triggered mixed reactions among fans and industry observers, many of whom have weighed in on issues of mentorship, recognition, and loyalty within the film industry.
Olabanji, however, noted that such situations are not uncommon in the entertainment sector, where professional relationships often evolve over time.
The development adds to a series of similar disputes in Nollywood, where individuals have publicly contested claims of influence over each other’s careers, further fuelling conversations around credit and acknowledgment in the industry.



