Recently, veteran Yoruba Nollywood actress Nike Peller expressed her profound worries about what she sees as a concerning deterioration in cultural values and professional standards in the Nigerian film business. She voiced her displeasure with the growing trend of some actresses dressing provocatively and exposing their bodies on screen and in public in an open interview on Talk2Dunnis TV.
Reflecting on her recent attendance at the high-profile wedding of Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Peller revealed how taken aback she was by the attire choices of many celebrities at the event. According to her, numerous actresses showed up wearing outfits that she described as inappropriate, revealing much more than what she considers acceptable within the traditional expectations of Yoruba women’s modesty and dignity. The sight left her feeling concerned about the erosion of cultural values in the entertainment industry.
Known for her distinguished career and graceful demeanor over the years, Peller emphasized the vital importance of upholding decency and cultural integrity, not just in the way actresses present themselves publicly but also in their professional behavior. She lamented the shift she has observed, especially among younger actresses, away from modesty and towards a more revealing style of dressing, which she believes sends a damaging message to the audience and the aspiring talents watching from the sidelines.
Her critique extended beyond fashion choices to the content of Nollywood films themselves. She pointed out the increasing prevalence of intimate scenes in movies, which she considers unnecessary and excessive. Peller argued that filmmakers have the capacity to tell powerful, meaningful stories without resorting to explicit displays of physical closeness or sensuality. Drawing from her own experience and principles, she explained how she personally approaches such scenes with restraint. She mentioned that if she were to portray a wife, for example, she would avoid kissing or cuddling another man on screen; instead, simply lying on the same bed and covering themselves with a duvet would suffice to convey the intended message without compromising professionalism or modesty.
The actress’s reflections on the wedding of Iyabo Ojo’s daughter remain vivid in her mind. She recalled being shocked to see many well-known actresses and celebrities dressed in revealing, “half-naked” outfits. To her, such dressing is not only unbefitting of a Yoruba woman but also inconsistent with the rich cultural heritage and moral standards that should define the industry and society at large. Peller’s remarks offer a sobering perspective on the direction Nollywood is headed and call for a return to greater decorum and cultural pride.
This statement from Nike Peller provides an important voice in the ongoing conversation about the balance between modernity and tradition in Nigerian entertainment and culture.