Entertainment
Why I featured Bobrisky in my movie –Tayo Sobola
Pretty actress, Tayo Sobola popularly known as Sotayo Gaga by fans and colleagues in the movie industry has opened up on reasons she had a secret wedding and why she won’t reveal her husband’s identity.
Pictures of you wearing a wedding gown went viral recently, are you truly married?
Yes, I am married, but the truth is that it’s not recent; I just decided to post the pictures on social media.
How come you didn’t reveal your husband’s identity?
It’s because I wanted to keep my marriage and husband private. I am the star and one who’s popularly known in the movie industry, not my husband. He’s a private person, so there is no point exposing him to the public
Now that you are married, what should we expect from you?
Well, nothing is changing about me. It’s just that I have decided to spread out a little. I just opened my clothing line, Clean Stitches, but a lot of people still don’t believe I own it; some think I just modeled for the brand. Now, we have opened a new branch in Abuja.
Why Abuja, is that where marriage has taken you?
No, it’s not really because of marriage. I have a home here in Lagos; I also have a house in Abuja. And I have always been traversing Lagos and Abuja, and now that it is time to expand my business tentacles, I then thought of Abuja. Aside the fact that we have our clients all over the world, Abuja people patronise us a lot. If you notice my signature, you will realise that I deal with lots of boubou, and iro and buba, which are mostly rocked by classy or funky women. And trust me, Abuja has them plenty. So, I did my research and came to the conclusion that since I have a landed property there, and my shop too, I will have good sales. So, I made up my mind to open another branch in Abuja.
Are you now fully into fashion and no more acting for Sotayo?
No. Don’t get me wrong. I am known in the industry already, so I can always go off and on and remain as if I never left. In life, there’s always time and season…there were times we were after fame, now we are after money.
Are you saying that movies are no longer paying your bills?
Not really, but for now, I want to concentrate on my business. There are some doors that being an actress will open that money might not open. So, both acting and business are paying.
Of recent, one of your colleagues came out to say that she makes millions from acting, that they pay her up to N5 million per role. Could that be true?
Absolutely yes! Why not? Some (producers) can pay you as much as N10 million to feature in a movie, whereas another producer can pay you as low as N200, 000 for the same role. It all depends on your relationship and how you can sell their movie, and how much they have on ground for the production.
From the productions you have done in the past, did you make such money?
So, you think I will invest in a project that will not profit me? Never! Let me tell you a clear truth, I have never produced a movie without making money in return. I am a businesswoman. How can I put my money down and not make profit from it?
There was a time you featured popular cross dresser, Bobrisky, in one of your movies, what informed that decision?
If you know me well, you will know that I don’t discriminate. I have known Bobrisky since he was Idris, and if you watch that movie very well, you will see that I used it to pass a message whereby his ‘younger sister’ was manhandled because of the way he was trying to attract men to himself, and at end of it all, he gave up on that particular habit.
How and where did you meet your husband?
One thing people don’t know is that I have been with my husband for over seven to eight years now.
So, you have been married that long?
No, don’t get me wrong. We have only been married for a couple of months.
Where did both of you meet?
Let me give you that as an assignment to find out. Thank you.
Between compact disc and Netflix, which one do you think brings more profit to the industry?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For the elite, who hardly watch television and can easily access any movie of their choice on their smart phones, they will go for Netflix, YouTube and the rest. For the typical trader, who hardly uses smartphones, they can’t ever rule out compact disc or DVD as we may call it. If I should reason as a business owner, I will go for DVD, but civilization is timeless…everyday we move with new trends.
Would you say your clothing line has changed your dress sense to wearing boubou, iro and buba and abaya kind of clothes?
I can slay iro and buba to the White House. I am someone who likes my comfort, although my mood most times dictates my dressing. But I will choose boubou and iro and buba over any other outfits anytime.
Recently, the Nigerian music industry witnessed a turnaround when Wizkid and Burna Boy won the Grammys, do you think Nollywood movies too can win Oscar?
Why not? There’s nothing that can never happen. You know, the way white people think is not the way we reason. Recently, Davido featured in Hollywood film, Coming To America 2, so who knows what the next move could be.
What do you have to say about Yoruba movies shot with low budget and English movies with high budget and their production quality?
Truly speaking, that’s not the yardstick to determine a low or high budget movie. I can shoot with millions of naira and still have a very bad quality production, while some shoot with hundreds of thousands and get a very good quality job. And I can spend a month on location and still not come up with something good, while some people will spend few days or weeks and come out with a good job. So, all those things don’t determine a good job at all.
So, no more movie roles for Tayo; it’s all about Clean Stitches now?
No, don’t get it twisted; you might see me in politics anytime soon.
Speaking on News Central Television in a video shared on X on Thursday, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, House of Representatives aspirant described the incident as an abuse of power, adding that it raised concerns about citizens’ safety and data protection in the country.
Ike confirmed that he has initiated legal proceedings against Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
“It was shocking. It was so disturbing that I felt unsafe. I felt insecure. For the first time, I’m feeling like, is anybody safe in this country anymore? That kind of feeling, that’s what it was like to me.
He alleged that the incident reflected what he described as political recklessness and abuse of authority.
“It’s an abuse of power. It’s the extreme to radicalism, political radicalism. It’s basically telling Nigerians that we’re in charge, we know you all, (0:52) we’ll do what we want and we can get away with it. That’s very, very irritating and I feel very disturbed by this,” he added.
The actor said his legal team had already written to the parties involved, including Olayinka, INEC, his political party, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police, to formally document the complaint.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday by his colleagues, Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Godwin Nnadiekwe, who claimed to be his ally.
Sharing on her Instagram story, Akindele wrote, “Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex. ‘Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. Rest in Peace, Alex.”
Meanwhile, Ninalowo, who is now in the United States, also mourned on his page, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”
Nnadiekwe, on the other hand, shared, “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — It’s heartbroken, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”
As of the time of filing this report, his family has not issued a statement on his death.
Recall that fans across social media recently expressed concerns for Ekubo following his first public appearance after months of social media silence.
The light-skinned movie star had been absent from Instagram since December 30, 2024, sparking speculation about his well-being.
However, a recent video that surfaced online brought him back into the spotlight, though it also raised further questions.
In the viral clip, Ekubo was seen interacting with a group of children, appearing noticeably slimmer and subdued.
The footage triggered a wave of emotional reactions from fans, many of whom noted a significant change in his appearance and questioned his wellbeing.
Before his demise, the actor dismissed marriage in favour of his quest to earn more money in the film industry.
In January 2023, his then-lover, Fancy Acholonu, in an interview, revealed that she dated the late actor for five years without them having any intimacy.
The US-based model also called off her wedding to Ekubo in December 2021, after apologising to the film star a year later for calling it off.
Acholonu affirmed her love for the actor, saying that “like our shirt says, Nothing makes sense when we’re apart @alexxekubo you still have my heart.
“I miss you, I love you, and I’m truly sorry for all the hurt & pain you and your family went through with our breakup.”
She noted that her actions were out of character, and she has realised she could have controlled her emotions and not been so overreactive.
However, in a post on his Instagram page, Ekubo implied that he was aware that some people were curious about why he has not yet been married.
The film star said he was more interested in making money. He urged people not to bother about his marital status.
The news of his passing was announced on Tuesday by a fellow actor, Tony Akposheri, in an Instagram post.
Akposheri expressed shock and sadness over the death of the actor, recalling their recent interactions.
He revealed that they had recently spent time together during the New Year, sharing memories and discussing future plans.
“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead,” he wrote.
“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”
Describing the late actor as more than just a screen personality, Akposheri paid tribute to his character and impact.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.”
He added, “Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”
Clarus gained prominence for his role in New Masquerade, one of Nigeria’s most popular television comedy shows, where his character became a household name.
Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately available.
Ofor rose to prominence for his role as Clarus in New Masquerade, a widely acclaimed Nigerian television comedy that aired on the Nigerian Television Authority and became a household favourite in the 1980s.
His portrayal of the comic character earned him national recognition and endeared him to audiences across the country, making Clarus one of the most memorable figures in Nigerian television history.
According to the unaudited financial statements of Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the companies collectively recorded strong top-line performance driven largely by beer sales.
Nigerian Breweries Plc, the largest brewer in the country, recorded net revenue of N1.05tn for the period, up from N710.87bn in the corresponding period of 2024. Cost of sales stood at N631.23bn, resulting in a gross profit of N415.15bn.
After accounting for selling and distribution expenses of N193.85bn, administrative expenses of N59.58bn, finance costs of N39.15bn, and other charges, the company posted a profit after tax of N85.51bn, compared with a loss of N149.50bn in 2024. Basic earnings per share rose to 275 kobo from a loss of 1,455 kobo in the previous year.
In March, Nigerian Breweries Plc announced a return to profitability in the first quarter of 2025, reporting a 186 per cent increase in net profit compared to the same period in 2024. The unaudited financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that revenue for the period ended March 31, 2025, rose to N383.6bn, representing a 68.9 per cent increase from N227.1bn recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
International Breweries Plc, which operates in Nigeria and other West African markets, generated revenue of N472.57bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, up from N343.45bn in the same period of 2024.
The company reported a profit after tax of N57.83bn, reversing a loss of N112.81bn in 2024. Cost of sales increased to N311.64bn from N248.58bn, while administrative, marketing, and distribution expenses rose to N92.09bn from N72.68bn.
International Breweries Plc posted a profit of N11.9bn for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, marking a turnaround from a loss of N47.3bn in the same period last year. The company’s unaudited financial statements showed revenue increased to N167.4bn in Q2 2025 from N120bn in Q2 2024, while gross profit rose to N61.9bn from N33.8bn.
Overall, the combined revenue of the three companies amounted to N1.54tn, with Nigerian Breweries Plc accounting for the bulk of sales.
Analysts say the figures highlight the resilience of Nigeria’s beer market, which continues to benefit from strong brand loyalty and distribution networks despite rising production costs and broader macroeconomic pressures.
Commenting on consumer behaviour, the Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co., Ayokunle Olubunmi, said the market is experiencing a gradual shift in spending patterns, with some consumers reducing beer consumption, a trend influencing how breweries adjust their strategies.
“Following AB InBev’s acquisition of International Breweries, the company invested in new breweries and production facilities to expand capacity. This indicates that firms are prioritising scaling operations and improving efficiency to meet rising demand and strengthen their market position,” Olubunmi said.
On the broader economic impact, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, Ayo Teriba, cautioned that strong sales figures do not necessarily translate into greater economic contribution.
“The point is that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Sales may be boosted by size, but if that size reflects purchases from other companies rather than actual value added, the contribution to the economy is limited. What really matters is net output, what value the company is actually creating. GDP, after all, is the sum of value created, not just total sales figures,” Teriba said.
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in custody following his arraignment on Monday over multiple criminal charges.
The singer was arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on assault, theft, causing bodily harm, and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Portable’s estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.
The arraignment followed a viral video on Sunday showing the singer in police custody.
According to the prosecution, Portable allegedly assaulted Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals at his bar located in Iyana Ilogbo on New Year’s Day.
Other alleged victims listed in the charge include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
Portable is also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at N12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and reportedly purchased from Wally Dex Auto.
It was gathered that two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses in court, although Ashabi herself was absent during the proceedings.
The police further alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was carrying out her official duties.
The presiding judge denied the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court. The judge ruled that the officer must be present before bail could be considered.
Portable was consequently remanded in custody, with the bail hearing adjourned to January 19, 2026.
-
Crime4 days agoOyo abduction: Teachers begin strike as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards to rescue victims
-
Education4 days agoEnugu East Chairman Celebrates Children’s Day with St. Ann’s College, Reaffirms Commitment to Education
-
News4 days agoDSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
-
Crime4 days agoUS Announces $3.5m Religious Freedom Initiative, Questions Nigeria’s Response to Attacks
-
Crime4 days ago2 Police Officers Shot Dead as Gunmen Attack Anambra Chief of Staff’s Convoy
-
News3 days agoPower Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike
-
Crime3 days agoAbducted Army General: Gunmen Make Demands, Contact Family
-
Politics2 days agoSpeaker suspended over anti-party activities