I don’t have crush on Lateef Adedimeji, but… —Oyeleke

Olayinka Naimot Oyeleke is one of the actresses making waves in the Yoruba speaking movie sector. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, she speaks about her experiences, among other issues: Excerpts:

What has been happening to your career lately?

I have engaged myself in a lot of things lately, trying to push my career forward. Anybody that wants to excel in his or her profession must work hard to be relevant. This is why I have been busy for some time now and this has really helped my career a lot. For instance, I have mapped out how I intend to run the New Year. Importantly, I am planning to have my own movie production this year and I trust God that it will be successful.

How did you discover your passion for acting?

I developed the passion since I was a child and it became more pronouncement when I was in secondary school. I fell in love with acting, but I didn’t have the chance to partake fully that time. I took it up professionally as a result of self-determination when I joined an acting group, Professional Theatre Caucus, in 2015. My boss, Olamilekan Oropo, was a disciplinarian, especially during rehearsals.

How many movies have you featured in?

Many Tomorrow, Aye Ese, Ola Okunkun, Pamilerin, Ekun Aabiamo, Agbere, Aaramide, are among them.

What did it take for you to carve a niche for yourself?

It has been God all the way, though I still have a lot to do. Nobody is perfect in this world. It is normal if I am still experiencing some challenges, but I am very committed to this profession and I know that God is taking me to places. I don’t have a hidden agenda or have the intention to engage in anything that will tarnish my image in the quest to raise my game. I am confident that I will be on top at the perfect time.

Don’t you feel threatened as a fresh actress in the industry?

No, I don’t have to feel threatened. Nobody can threaten me because I have not ventured into acting to compete with anybody. My greatest goals are to set a new standard and make a good impact. I believe that I am on that path. Also, I don’t belong to any caucus, except the general association of the industry, TAMPAN. Virtually all young female actresses are my friends. I have also maintained a cordial relationship with big sisters in the industry.

Who among the male actors would you always like to star with?

That would be Lateef Adedimeji. Though I haven’t shared a role with him, we will work together soon. He is a well-behaved actor. It is not as if I have a crush on him, but I like and respect his professionalism. He is a fantastic actor.

Who is your kind of man?

I want everything in a man, especially to be God-fearing and full of understanding. I count myself to be very lucky because my man has all these qualities.

How do you ensure a balance between acting and the home front?

It has been God and the loving family He has given me. My hubby has been supportive from the beginning in ensuring that the pressure is not much. Personally, I have not allowed acting to affect my home at all, because I do not want anything that will deprive me of my responsibility to my immediate family. Importantly, I have ensured not to go beyond my boundary.

How do you handle your male admirers?

I let them know the kind of person I am. I appreciate them for their love, but I let them realise instantly whenever they try to cross the line. We cannot do without advances from the opposite sex, but celebrities must be careful and diplomatic, as well as responsible and be good ambassadors.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I have lots of embarrassing moments, but the experience I will not easily forget was the day I was embarrassed by a top actress. I was invited to a production and my role was to act alongside the top actress. While performing my role, I couldn’t get the Yoruba adage I was to say and she became angry at the movie director and queried: ‘how could you mix her with me?’. I was embarrassed because I felt it was a disgrace to my personality.