Renowned Nollywood actress Toyin Afolayan also referred to as Lola Idije has addressed the public’s perception of her on-screen persona, particularly her iconic roles as a harsh and wicked mother-in-law in Yoruba movies.
In a recent podcast episode with Ayo Adesanya, Idije clarified that her real-life personality starkly contrasts with the characters she portrays.
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When asked about the inspiration behind her roles, Idije revealed that her energy and strength come from her faith in God. She recounted an incident where a lady on set observed that she only drank water throughout the day and asked what gave her the energy to perform. Idije attributed her energy to God’s power, saying, “It is God. God’s power is supreme. I don’t understand the way I do it too.”
Idije also shared insights into her acting career, crediting her late brother Adeyemi Afolayan, aka Ade Love, for teaching her the craft. In her words; “When my elder brother taught me acting, he taught me how to act smart and a very active person.” He instilled in her the importance of being outspoken and confident, advising her to speak up and let people recognize her voice and presence.
As a single parent, Idije opened up about the challenges she faces, including financial struggles and the emotional toll of raising a child alone. She lamented that many men are not willing to offer genuine support, instead seeking to exploit opportunities.