Henry ‘Arnold’ Okunniyi and Bolanle Oluchi Babalola were better known as ‘Bolar’ in the recently concluded Ultimate Love reality dating show hosted by Multichoice. They were quite a popular couple and were quite a competition for other couples. ROTIMI IGE presents excerpts of a recent interaction with the duo. Enjoy.
Tell us a bit about yourself and early memories growing up.
I was born to a Nigerian father from Ogun State and a Sierra Leon mother who is from the Mende tribe. I am the last of six children. I grew up in Sierra Leone up until the war in 1996/1997 which brought me and my family to Nigeria. Growing up in a nuclear family was fun, we had everything we wanted and as the last born you know the rest.
Before the show, what had you been involved in?
I joined the Sierra Leone Arts and Cultural Agency (SACA ) alongside some members of X Project. That gave me a foundation in theatre and so during my school days in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), I became involved in the entertainment industry as an actor (stage and television) in Tinsel, Casino, So Wrong So Wright etc and after graduating, I took series of master classes and correspondence courses. Later, I became a content creator, a writer and commercial model.
Walk us through the auditions. How and why did you enroll for the reality show?
I got a call from a friend asking me if I would like to be part of a reality show. At this time, I was done with all of the stress involved in it. I had auditioned for Big Brother before and after my school days, I came to Lagos for AmBo, but it wasnt successful. But this had a different narrative. I love adventure and again, I was supposed to be a part of a social experiment so I decided to give it a try. It was a lovely idea to meet and know that special one in a controlled and an uncontrolled setting.
How did you feel when you got the call that your auditions were successful?
I was happy and at the same time had mixed feelings about what it would be like.
I had no plans. But like I do say, having no plan is a plan itself .
When you were eventually paired, did you feel like you had found the one?
I knew she was the one on seeing her, but this was going to be a process, a real process.
You and Roksie were constantly in the eye of the storm especially with PreshDavid. What did you feel went wrong?
I and Temi (Bola’s pet name) were just the unfortunate one in the centre of it all. I tried to know but I guess they all had history before the show, then Arnold became the only one standing.
How is your relationship with Jaykech and Preshdavid now?
Cordial. One thing I want everyone to know is that life in there is totally different from the one out here. We are all fine, trying to hustle our way out of the corona threat (laughs).
Who were your favorite love guests on the show and why?
Theresa: She is like a sister to me, pure in heart.
Louis: Business-oriented and we had some things in common.
Obi: He is spiritual, I saw an elder brother in him.
Kachi: He is an interesting character and we understand each other better.
Chrisville: He is business-oriented
Which love guests will you keep in touch with now that the show is over?
Anyone who is open for business.
Should fans expect wedding bells from Bolar?
At the end of the process, definitely yes.
What lessons have you learnt going into the love pad and with Aunty?
Patience, tolerance, humility among others.
Now that the show is over, what is next for each of you?
Definitely trying to bond better and then develop content together and as well do businesses.
How do you relax?
Play games or go to the cinema.
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My participation in Ultimate Love an ‘intervention’ —Bolanle
I was born on the 26th of June 1984 in Sokoto State. My mother hails from Abia State while my father is from Ondo. We moved around a lot and then to Lagos in 1993 where I continued my education. At some point, because it was a polygamous family, my house was like the famous family series called ‘Fuji House of Commotion’.
Prior to Ultimate Love, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and a Diploma in Mass Communication from University of Abuja, I have been engaged in a couple of multimedia productions (TV, radio, social media etc) where I contributed as an actress, presenter, production manager/assistant/coordinator, first assistant director, voice over artist etc. Though an entrepreneur, I was actively engaged in humanitarian projects, community development and outreach, public health master trainer and data collector etc.
How and why did I enroll for the show.
Well, let’s say my friend didn’t give me a choice. She called it ‘the intervention’ . Mercy literally bullied me into going for the auditions. I was just being myself during the process and enjoyed every bit. Making it from Abuja to Lagos and getting selected to go into the house was quite surprising to me. I guess it was fate. What do you think?
My plans going into the house.
I was excited and surprised. There was no plan. Just an open heart that was optimistic about finding love. It was never a game for me because my reputation was on the line.
How I felt first time meeting Arnold.
No. Never felt like I had found the one. Rather, it felt like, what have I gotten myself into? Is this really who I’m going to end up with? Well, let’s see where God takes this to. So it was more like, give it a trial girl, you have nothing to lose. He is a friend already and an intelligent mind. If it’s not working, go home.
The spat with PreshDavid.
It was more like an unfortunate situation that I and Ife MI (Arnold) got caught up in. I and my partner suffered for something we had no clue where I went wrong until I had to ask her.
Our relationship with Jay Ketch.
Our relationship with Jaykech and PreshDavid is cordial. After this pandemic of corona virus is over, I’m sure we might work on some projects together in the future.
My favourite love guests.
All the love guests were my favorites but these ones stood out for me, Jerry, Jennifer, Ebi, Obi, Chrisville, Rosie and Kachi. I’ll keep in touch with all the love guests. We’re friends.
Now that I am with Arnold…
We’re still dating, so keep your fingers crossed while we go through this process. You never know…
What I learnt in the Love Pad.
Patience, listening skills, humility and openness.
Now that the show is over.
We are still together, working on ourselves, individual brands and career in general. Lots of goodies coming out right after this virus is contained or eradicated.
How I relax.
I chill with friends over some cool R n B music with drinks, ice cream or movies, we gist and laugh.
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