Veteran Nigerian Nollywood actress, Toyin Afolayan, well known by her stage name Lola Idije, has set the record straight about her personality, insisting that her trademark “wicked mother-in-law” roles do not reflect who she is off-screen.
In a conversation with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya, the Yoruba movie star explained that her fiery characters are purely the result of her dedication to her craft.
“I am not wicked in reality. My faith in God guides me, and I live a modest lifestyle. I don’t drink, smoke, or engage in habits people often associate with my movie characters,” she said.
The actress whose career breakthrough came in 1995 with her unforgettable role as Madam Adisa in Deadly Affair, credited her disciplined approach to acting to the influence of her late brother, Adeyemi Afolayan—better known as Ade Love—one of the trailblazers of Nigerian cinema.
Beyond her screen presence, Lola Idije has left her mark on Nigerian pop culture. She is credited with popularising viral catchphrases like “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear,” expressions that continue to resonate across social media platforms.
Now a respected industry veteran, she says her real life is defined not by the stern characters audiences see on screen, but by simplicity, faith, and humility.