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Ronke Ojo Anthony, whom everybody calls Oshodi Oke, due
to her natural frontal endowment, is quite heavy. She is big
in every ramification .If you want to be witty, naughty, smart
or intelligent, Ronke is equal to the task and she is a good
actress. The star actress, in this interview reveals intimate
secrets about her life, career, marriage and future
ambitions.
How did you come about acting?
I started acting as a result of some challenges that came
my way when growing up. My father was a custom officer
and my mother a grade II teacher. Things were smooth for
us until my father had issues with the Nigeria Customs and
there was a turn around. My mum’s income was not
enough for our upkeep and as the first child of the family, I
wanted to support her. I moved into selling of clothes and
other petty businesses at Tincan Island . But before that, I
had loved entertainment, simply by watching home videos.
Music and films were part of me. I had a cousin who I used
to accompany to Fadeyi to see a friend of his. Then actors
had their caucus known as ‘Star Parade’ there and each
time we went visiting, I felt like becoming part of them. In
1997, I walked up to Mufutau Oladokun (Baba Alaran) who
later became my boss and that was how I found my way
into the world of acting.
What is acting to you?
I believe the blood of acting runs in my family. Even my
father was a member of cultural and theatre group in his
university days at Obafemi Awolowo University, O.A.U. He
was also part of stage productions like Macbeth where he
even acted as a lady. But It took me sixteen times to get a
scene right the first time I was in front of the camera;
Although the film didn’t leave the shelf.
Apart from your innate passion for acting, who else inspired
you into acting?
The late Ireti. I loved her acting and I am glad I worked with
her before her demise. She was my heroine and mentor.
Some people refer to you as an illiterate because you never
attended a university, your comment?
I have a good background and valued education. But going
to the university was something I had to sacrifice when
things became rough for my family. I have the plan of going
back to school but as the breadwinner of my family, a career
woman, mother and a wife, it has not been easy. But when
the time comes, I will, even if it means going abroad to
avoid distraction.
Your source of motivation?
I have seen many things in life that motivate me. But I get
inspired when inside or around water. When I am in the
bathroom, many things come to my mind. I love nature a
lot.
Which film brought you to limelight?
It was Oshodi Oke, written and produced by Sunday Soyinka
in 2000. A friend introduced me to him and I went to the
location. On getting there, Iyabo Yoyo and the producer had
issues and she left angrily. I didn’t know what was
happening but I was given her role, the lead role in the
movie. I never knew it was the lead role, the joy of having to
take up such a big role was enough for me and I enjoyed
every bit of it. When the film was premiered at the National
Theatre, everybody loved it and that was when it dawned on
me that I was cheated because I wasn’t made to understand
I was taking a lead role or rewarded as such. But I was too
happy to care, I shed tears.
How did you come about comedy?
It was Saheed Balogun who discovered that side of me
when we were eating together in London. We were also
watching a comedy film while eating. He looked sternly at
me and told me I could do it. He did everything but I
produced the film. All thanks to him.
How do you manage between comedy and other roles?
Acting is all make-believe and that is what it means to be
called Ronke Oshodi Oke. Today, I could be a dancer,
tomorrow a doctor and I must put out the character
perfectly to remain relevant in the industry. Ronke Ojo and
Ronke Oshodi Oke are two different people using one image.
You have big boobs, have they caused you any
embarrassment?
Before now, I get ashamed of them. But I later began to see
the beautiful side and stopped hiding them because they fit
me. People appreciate my boobs and I also love it. My
boobs are one of the things that brought me to limelight in
the movie industry.
Is your boobs your selling point?
Yes, it is and apart from that it is one part of my body I
cherish most.
How will you react to the increase in premarital sex among
our youths?
Sex is a normal part of life just like money. I know I am a
Yoruba ambassador but personally I believe any body
above 18 and has a serious relationship can have sex even
outside marriage. The couple should know what they have
underneath their clothes before they get committed to each
other for life. What if I do not like the size as a lady?
Frankly, it is one of the reasons why many go into extra
marital affairs. Even when a man has everything in the
world and does not satisfy me sexually, there is serious
trouble. I cannot go into a marriage and start regretting,
besides, you won’t be able to tell your family members what
you are going through in the name of marriage. I can not
manage sex, it is either I enjoy it or disapprove it.
Are you happily married?
Yes, I am.
Why are you not living with your spouse?
I prefer how we live apart. At
the early stage of our
courtship, it was a bone of
contention but later he knew
what I wanted and I appreciate
him for that. If I really want to
be successful in my marriage
and career, this is how best we
feel we can go about it.
It was also gathered that you
once broke up with your
spouse?
I met my husband in1999 after
Ronke Oshodi Oke came out. We became lovers in 2000 but
we could not move to the next level because of certain
differences. Most Nigerian guys would think twice before
marrying an actress. We dated for four years and went our
separate ways. In-between those four years I met another
guy whom I had my first child for. A year after I had my first
issue, my then lover, who is now my husband came back
and we began our affair in secret, though he proposed to me
three times during the time.
Why the secret affair?
I did not want to have kids for different men. But because
we were best of friends, he was always there for me and we
were in love, we settled our differences and came back
together.
Why did you leave the father of your first child?
He wanted me to come stay in Canada with him and I can
not live outside Nigeria for any reason, I can only go
visiting . Moreover, living in Canada will affect my career. I
could not get happiness from the union but I waited five
years before going into another marriage officially.
Can we say it is one of the reasons you are reluctant to live
with your husband?
Not at all. It only shows we understand ourselves very well.
My husband is my friend.
How have you been coping as mother, career woman and a
wife?
It has not been easy but as an African woman I have been
managing well. Besides, I have a very supportive mother
and an understanding husband. My children stay with my
mum and I come around when I am free.
Despite your popularity, why did it take so long to get
citizenship card for your son?
Getting a citizenship card has its processes irrespective of
who you are and I don’t believe in using the back door in
doing things.
If you have the chance to marry an actor, which actor would
you go for?
Many journalists have asked this same question but I dodge
the question each time. Honestly, I would go for Akin Lewis
because he is a very matured man who I hold in high
esteem.
Yoruba films seem to promote the act of one person doing
almost everything in a film, why?
Film-making ought to be a division of labour but at the
same time, one can decide to be a jack of all trades so far it
is done well. At times, there could be difficulty in getting the
right person for the job. If you could not get a person to
interprete a particular role, what is wrong with doing it
yourself? I am not good at scriptwriting so I invite someone
who does that for me and we later come together to edit.
What are those things you think need to be changed or
corrected in Nollywood?
I will do a thorough screening of those joining the industry.
Different people have different talents. Not all of us must be
in front of the cameras. There is a place for everyone.We
can not all be in entertainment too.
Why is single motherhood on the increase in Nigeria?
Our men want to live the way our forefathers did, and it is
almost impossible. But our fathers never asked their wives
for money. I mean they didn’t share financial
responsibilities with their wives and this made it easy for
their wives to be 100% dependent, loyal and respectful to
them. It will be difficult for a man who shares
responsibilities with his wife to control her fully. Many
homes today have the wife as the breadwinner. And this is
not because the man does not have money but because he
is only irresponsible and doesn’t want to face his
responsibilities squarely. I cannot respect a man who does
not know how I do my things or even respect my opinion.
When we have two masters in a ship, the ship will capsize.
Many men have one wife but with numerous concubines.
How do you relate with male friends?
I relate with them like any other lady. It is just one of the
principles of life that opposite sex attracts one another
more.
Anything new from you?
I am working on a comedy film that will be in pidgin English
to make it universal. Also, I will be releasing my album by
November 17th featuring Oritsefemi and others.
to her natural frontal endowment, is quite heavy. She is big
in every ramification .If you want to be witty, naughty, smart
or intelligent, Ronke is equal to the task and she is a good
actress. The star actress, in this interview reveals intimate
secrets about her life, career, marriage and future
ambitions.
How did you come about acting?
I started acting as a result of some challenges that came
my way when growing up. My father was a custom officer
and my mother a grade II teacher. Things were smooth for
us until my father had issues with the Nigeria Customs and
there was a turn around. My mum’s income was not
enough for our upkeep and as the first child of the family, I
wanted to support her. I moved into selling of clothes and
other petty businesses at Tincan Island . But before that, I
had loved entertainment, simply by watching home videos.
Music and films were part of me. I had a cousin who I used
to accompany to Fadeyi to see a friend of his. Then actors
had their caucus known as ‘Star Parade’ there and each
time we went visiting, I felt like becoming part of them. In
1997, I walked up to Mufutau Oladokun (Baba Alaran) who
later became my boss and that was how I found my way
into the world of acting.
What is acting to you?
I believe the blood of acting runs in my family. Even my
father was a member of cultural and theatre group in his
university days at Obafemi Awolowo University, O.A.U. He
was also part of stage productions like Macbeth where he
even acted as a lady. But It took me sixteen times to get a
scene right the first time I was in front of the camera;
Although the film didn’t leave the shelf.
Apart from your innate passion for acting, who else inspired
you into acting?
The late Ireti. I loved her acting and I am glad I worked with
her before her demise. She was my heroine and mentor.
Some people refer to you as an illiterate because you never
attended a university, your comment?
I have a good background and valued education. But going
to the university was something I had to sacrifice when
things became rough for my family. I have the plan of going
back to school but as the breadwinner of my family, a career
woman, mother and a wife, it has not been easy. But when
the time comes, I will, even if it means going abroad to
avoid distraction.
Your source of motivation?
I have seen many things in life that motivate me. But I get
inspired when inside or around water. When I am in the
bathroom, many things come to my mind. I love nature a
lot.
Which film brought you to limelight?
It was Oshodi Oke, written and produced by Sunday Soyinka
in 2000. A friend introduced me to him and I went to the
location. On getting there, Iyabo Yoyo and the producer had
issues and she left angrily. I didn’t know what was
happening but I was given her role, the lead role in the
movie. I never knew it was the lead role, the joy of having to
take up such a big role was enough for me and I enjoyed
every bit of it. When the film was premiered at the National
Theatre, everybody loved it and that was when it dawned on
me that I was cheated because I wasn’t made to understand
I was taking a lead role or rewarded as such. But I was too
happy to care, I shed tears.
How did you come about comedy?
It was Saheed Balogun who discovered that side of me
when we were eating together in London. We were also
watching a comedy film while eating. He looked sternly at
me and told me I could do it. He did everything but I
produced the film. All thanks to him.
How do you manage between comedy and other roles?
Acting is all make-believe and that is what it means to be
called Ronke Oshodi Oke. Today, I could be a dancer,
tomorrow a doctor and I must put out the character
perfectly to remain relevant in the industry. Ronke Ojo and
Ronke Oshodi Oke are two different people using one image.
You have big boobs, have they caused you any
embarrassment?
Before now, I get ashamed of them. But I later began to see
the beautiful side and stopped hiding them because they fit
me. People appreciate my boobs and I also love it. My
boobs are one of the things that brought me to limelight in
the movie industry.
Is your boobs your selling point?
Yes, it is and apart from that it is one part of my body I
cherish most.
How will you react to the increase in premarital sex among
our youths?
Sex is a normal part of life just like money. I know I am a
Yoruba ambassador but personally I believe any body
above 18 and has a serious relationship can have sex even
outside marriage. The couple should know what they have
underneath their clothes before they get committed to each
other for life. What if I do not like the size as a lady?
Frankly, it is one of the reasons why many go into extra
marital affairs. Even when a man has everything in the
world and does not satisfy me sexually, there is serious
trouble. I cannot go into a marriage and start regretting,
besides, you won’t be able to tell your family members what
you are going through in the name of marriage. I can not
manage sex, it is either I enjoy it or disapprove it.
Are you happily married?
Yes, I am.
Why are you not living with your spouse?
I prefer how we live apart. At
the early stage of our
courtship, it was a bone of
contention but later he knew
what I wanted and I appreciate
him for that. If I really want to
be successful in my marriage
and career, this is how best we
feel we can go about it.
It was also gathered that you
once broke up with your
spouse?
I met my husband in1999 after
Ronke Oshodi Oke came out. We became lovers in 2000 but
we could not move to the next level because of certain
differences. Most Nigerian guys would think twice before
marrying an actress. We dated for four years and went our
separate ways. In-between those four years I met another
guy whom I had my first child for. A year after I had my first
issue, my then lover, who is now my husband came back
and we began our affair in secret, though he proposed to me
three times during the time.
Why the secret affair?
I did not want to have kids for different men. But because
we were best of friends, he was always there for me and we
were in love, we settled our differences and came back
together.
Why did you leave the father of your first child?
He wanted me to come stay in Canada with him and I can
not live outside Nigeria for any reason, I can only go
visiting . Moreover, living in Canada will affect my career. I
could not get happiness from the union but I waited five
years before going into another marriage officially.
Can we say it is one of the reasons you are reluctant to live
with your husband?
Not at all. It only shows we understand ourselves very well.
My husband is my friend.
How have you been coping as mother, career woman and a
wife?
It has not been easy but as an African woman I have been
managing well. Besides, I have a very supportive mother
and an understanding husband. My children stay with my
mum and I come around when I am free.
Despite your popularity, why did it take so long to get
citizenship card for your son?
Getting a citizenship card has its processes irrespective of
who you are and I don’t believe in using the back door in
doing things.
If you have the chance to marry an actor, which actor would
you go for?
Many journalists have asked this same question but I dodge
the question each time. Honestly, I would go for Akin Lewis
because he is a very matured man who I hold in high
esteem.
Yoruba films seem to promote the act of one person doing
almost everything in a film, why?
Film-making ought to be a division of labour but at the
same time, one can decide to be a jack of all trades so far it
is done well. At times, there could be difficulty in getting the
right person for the job. If you could not get a person to
interprete a particular role, what is wrong with doing it
yourself? I am not good at scriptwriting so I invite someone
who does that for me and we later come together to edit.
What are those things you think need to be changed or
corrected in Nollywood?
I will do a thorough screening of those joining the industry.
Different people have different talents. Not all of us must be
in front of the cameras. There is a place for everyone.We
can not all be in entertainment too.
Why is single motherhood on the increase in Nigeria?
Our men want to live the way our forefathers did, and it is
almost impossible. But our fathers never asked their wives
for money. I mean they didn’t share financial
responsibilities with their wives and this made it easy for
their wives to be 100% dependent, loyal and respectful to
them. It will be difficult for a man who shares
responsibilities with his wife to control her fully. Many
homes today have the wife as the breadwinner. And this is
not because the man does not have money but because he
is only irresponsible and doesn’t want to face his
responsibilities squarely. I cannot respect a man who does
not know how I do my things or even respect my opinion.
When we have two masters in a ship, the ship will capsize.
Many men have one wife but with numerous concubines.
How do you relate with male friends?
I relate with them like any other lady. It is just one of the
principles of life that opposite sex attracts one another
more.
Anything new from you?
I am working on a comedy film that will be in pidgin English
to make it universal. Also, I will be releasing my album by
November 17th featuring Oritsefemi and others.
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