Omotola Afolabi Afolayan, is the daughter of late comedian Jagua. The suave actress who is the most notable of Jagua’s children in this interview with Temidayo Badmus, reveals how the strong bond between Jagua and his wife, Sierra Leonian born Elyzer, who died last year finally claimed the life of the later after over ten years of the former’s death
What went wrong before you finally lost your Mum last year?
Mum was ill for many months. She was taken to different hospitals, before she finally died last year. I am the last and the only girl in Nigeria. So, the responsibility fell so much on me. We have so many boys in our family.
How has that affected your appearances in movies?
My mum’s sickness really affected my appearances in movies. Through out 2010, I didn’t do any job. Even before she died last year, I was just moving with her from one hospital to another and we spent whole lots of money. I believe God loves her more than us.
What will you say was responsible for your Mum’s constant sickness until her death?
I think the love my mother has for her husband (Late Jagua) affected her. They both have very strong feelings for each other. Since the death of my Dad, she has been in and out of hospital. Most times, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I am convinced that my father’s death really affected her because before his death,she lived a very healthy life . I think money and God sustained her till last year.
How was she buried?
ANTP members from Lagos, Ogun, Osun Kwara and virtually all the southwest states came for her burial. They did so well, she had a befitting burial.
Is it true she was not a Nigerian?
Yes, she was from eastern Sierra Leone.
When did she come to Nigeria?
She lived most of her adult life in Nigeria.
When was the last time she visited Sierra Leone?
She was in Sierra Leone about five years before her death.
When are you going to produce your next movie?
My latest film ORE-OLUWA will be out soon. That is the last film that featured my Mum before she died.
What is your plan of retaining the legacy of the late Jagua?
Gbolahan Afolayan is my younger brother. He has picked up the late Jagua’s idea on the new Jagua series on Television. He is funny and unpredictable just like my Dad. He is the new Jagua. My late Mum, Elyzer Afolayan played her usual role of Grace. I played Lady T. Raymond Afolayan is a director. He directed the new series. We also have Afolabi Afolayan Jnr who played Thunder. We are working on putting it on other Television Stations.
Who are your other siblings?
My other siblings are Ola Afolayan, Bolaji Afolayan and my elder sister, Olayinka Afolayan who is married in U.K
How many movies have you done in the past?
My first movie, KOYEWON, was a big success and ORE-OLUWA is coming.
Have you been sexually harassed?
People don’t come to me for such dirty things. If they think about it, once I mention who my father is, they stop. I have not been harassed by anybody.
Who are your friends in the industry?
I have lots of them that we are friends. People like; Biodun Okeowo, Lizzy Anjorin, Funke Eti and others. I can’t mention all of them.
How was the experience of your first kiss?
I really cannot remember when it happened but, I enjoyed my first kiss.
……And your first love?
Haba,..Dayo! I just told you I really enjoyed my first kiss. I enjoyed my first love too but, I don’t want to go further than that.
How was life with your dad?
During my Dad’s days, I enjoyed acting. He makes sure that we do something on his programme during vacations. You dare not say no,he may wake us up in the middle of the night and tell us to memorize a song before the next day. Some of these things now give me an edge and it made me a complete professional. As Jagua’s daughter then, I lacked nothing. My father is always a provider. To be modest, I won’t say he was rich. But, he was financially ok.
That means you were born with silver spoon
If what you mean by that is that I had everything as a kid, then I was born with a silver spoon. I told you my Mum was from Sierra Leone and they love jewelries in that country. With her, I started wearing gold earrings and gold necklaces as a toddler.
When did you become a celebrity?
I was more popular as a kid than now. More people knew me then as Omotola Jagua. Maybe because my Dad was still around and he was really making waves. Some people don’t even recognize me now because I am grown up. But, as a kid, I was a celebrity.
He taught me to be honest and respectful.
What type of car do you drive now?
I don’t have a Range (Rover) now but, I have a Nissan Quest that takes me around.
Which is your favourite car?
I love fast and luxury cars so, I don’t mind a Range Rover now.
Tell us about your education
After my Economics degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University, I did a course in Communication at the Television College,Jos.
How do you spend money?
I help the needy. I feed the hungry people and I cloth the naked people. This is one thing I love doing in my life. I don’t believe until I have N200million in my account that I will help the needy. I have been doing this even when I was collecting money from my Dad.
When are you getting married?
I will get married soon.
Who is your ideal man?
I want a handsome, caring and sexy man.
