Bolaji Ogunmola Fires Back: ‘My Offence Is I Did My Job Too Well’ — Actress Responds to Critics Questioning Her On-Screen Kiss With Daniel Etim Effiong

Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has once again found herself at the center of an online debate after a clip of her kissing fellow actor Daniel Etim Effiong on set resurfaced and sparked discussions about boundaries in acting, marriage, and professionalism. What started as a viewer’s harmless curiosity quickly snowballed into a heated conversation on X (formerly Twitter), dragging the actress into a larger discourse about the expectations placed on female actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry. But Bolaji, unfazed and unshaken, responded with a blend of humor, confidence, and unapologetic commitment to her craft.

It all began when a user identified as @habeembsifedols questioned her directly online, asking whether she would allow her husband to kiss another woman “like this” in the name of acting. According to him, being realistic meant that as a woman, she should understand the “emotional implications” of such intimate roles. The tone of the question attempted to paint her as someone crossing boundaries that she wouldn’t tolerate in her own relationship. But Bolaji’s response was an immediate mic-drop moment that quickly took over the timeline. “Me??? Never!!! Let him stay home and not do his job!!! We can all starve!!” she replied sarcastically, adding, “Especially when I know what he does for a living from jump. He's staying home!!!”

Her response was dripping with irony, and those who understood the humor behind it immediately recognized it as her way of shutting down the misplaced scrutiny. For Bolaji, acting is acting, and making a fuss out of a scripted kiss makes little sense when the industry runs on characters, performances, and sometimes intense scenes that sell a story. Her comment suggested what many actors often emphasize: their job demands stepping into a role, and intimacy is often a technical execution rather than an emotional entanglement.

As the conversation gained momentum, another user, @Klone_E, threw in an observation that was clearly meant to stir the pot further. “You even dey bite your lip?!!! Omo person no fit defend Bolaji oo it’s well,” he wrote, suggesting that the actress appeared too natural or too into the scene. Instead of getting defensive or letting the remark get under her skin, Bolaji responded with a line that instantly went viral: “My offense is I did my job too well. Okay.” That response not only sealed the discussion but also reasserted her position as a professional who refuses to apologize for delivering convincing performances.

Within hours, Bolaji’s name began trending across social media platforms, drawing in thousands of comments from fans, critics, film lovers, and colleagues in the industry. Supporters praised her for standing strong and refusing to be moral-policed by people who often misunderstand the technicalities of filmmaking. Many argued that Nigerians have long struggled to separate actors from the characters they play, leading to unnecessary judgments based on scenes that were scripted, directed, and performed for a storyline. Others noted that male actors rarely face this level of criticism when they take on romantic roles.

The debate also rekindled a long-standing conversation about gender bias in Nollywood. While male actors often get applauded for their versatility, female actors—especially those who take on sensual roles—are frequently scrutinized, moralized, or accused of doing “too much.” Bolaji’s calm yet witty clapback hit at the heart of this imbalance, subtly reminding the public that women in the industry are also professionals deserving of respect.

Industry insiders chimed in as well, with some highlighting how physically technical kissing scenes are. Contrary to the assumptions of many viewers, on-screen kisses are rarely romantic. They involve choreography, lighting adjustments, camera angles, multiple takes, and constant repetition—far from the emotional intimacy people imagine when watching the final product. Directors often call “cut” mid-kiss to adjust a shoulder, tilt a chin, or switch the actor’s position for better framing. In other words, what viewers see as a spontaneous moment is usually the result of precise, controlled direction.

Bolaji Ogunmola has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and executing them convincingly. Whether playing a romantic lead, a fierce heroine, or a vulnerable character, she brings her characters to life with nuance and depth. Her dedication to her craft is undeniable, and it's that same dedication that often puts her under public scrutiny. But her recent responses show she is neither intimidated nor deterred by those who see her work through the lens of personal insecurities or outdated norms.

In a broader sense, Bolaji’s exchange reflects the evolving dynamics of Nollywood. As the industry grows, becoming more competitive and globally recognized, actors are increasingly required to push creative boundaries. Romantic scenes, complex characters, and emotionally demanding roles are now standard expectations. For Nollywood to keep up with international storytelling, performers need the freedom to embody their characters truthfully without fear of being attacked online for scenes that are fully fictional.

Her comment, “My offense is I did my job too well,” has since become a catchphrase across social platforms, with many using it jokingly to describe situations where excellence gets mistaken for something else. It shows that what could have been a moment of shaming transformed into a moment of empowerment, not just for Bolaji but for actors—especially women—who constantly battle with public misconceptions.

As the discussion continues, one thing remains clear: Bolaji Ogunmola is not backing down or apologizing for professionalism. In an industry fueled by storytelling, realism, and emotional honesty, she stands firm in her belief that actors should be free to act. Her responses were not just witty comebacks—they were bold statements about creative freedom, boundaries between personal life and career, and the respect owed to actors for the work they do.

Whether the critics relent or not, Bolaji’s stance has sparked thoughtful conversations about acting, marriage, and societal expectations. And if anything, her sharp-edged humor and unwavering confidence have only endeared her more to fans who admire not just her talent, but her fearless voice.