Veteran actor Yomi King, better known by his stage name Opebe, has come forward with allegations of physical assault on a movie set—an incident he claims stemmed from deep-rooted rivalries within the Nollywood industry.
The 45-year veteran of Nigerian cinema made the explosive claims during an appearance on the popular interview program “Behind the Fame,” detailing an incident that allegedly blurred the lines between scripted action and real violence.
According to Opebe’s account, the incident occurred during the filming of “Eku Meji,” a Yoruba-language production. What was supposed to be a choreographed fight sequence reportedly escalated into what the actor describes as an actual beating.
The root of the confrontation, Opebe claims, traces back to a bitter dispute between two titans of Yoruba cinema: his close friend and frequent collaborator, the late Baba Suwe, and fellow actor Yinka Quadri. When forced to choose sides in this industry feud, Opebe’s decision to stand with Baba Suwe would prove costly.
“Those sufferings were beyond acting; they were real beatings,” Opebe stated during the interview, his words carrying the weight of unresolved trauma. “That’s what they call acting; you have to do it well and real for people to know it truly happened.”
The scene in question called for Quadri’s character to physically confront Opebe’s. However, according to the comic actor, what transpired went far beyond the boundaries of professional stagecraft.
“When we got to the set, and it was a beating role… when he replied to me, it was a slap and a severe beating. I began to shout, ‘Cut! This isn’t a movie anymore.’ I was angry,” Opebe recalled, his frustration still palpable years after the incident.
Opebe’s journey in Nigerian cinema spans more than four decades, beginning in 1979. He rose to prominence through his role in the beloved television series “Erinkeke” and has since become a household name, celebrated for his gift for comedy and his ability to bring levity to the screen.
His professional and personal bond with the late Baba Suwe—one of Nollywood’s most beloved comic actors who passed away in November 2021—was legendary within the industry. The two appeared in numerous productions together, their on-screen chemistry delighting audiences across generations.
That friendship, however, appears to have placed Opebe in the crosshairs of industry politics—a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of Nigerian cinema lies a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and sometimes dangerous tensions.
Opebe’s allegations raise serious concerns about safety protocols and professional conduct on Nollywood film sets. While method acting and realistic portrayals are valued in the industry, the line between committed performance and actual harm should remain sacrosanct.
The entertainment industry worldwide has increasingly emphasized the importance of fight choreographers, intimacy coordinators, and strict safety measures during the filming of potentially dangerous scenes. Opebe’s account suggests that such safeguards may have been absent or ignored during the production of “Eku Meji.”
Neither Yinka Quadri nor representatives from the production of “Eku Meji” have publicly responded to Opebe’s allegations at the time of this report.
While Opebe’s revelation is shocking, it offers a rare glimpse into the often-hidden tensions that simmer beneath the surface of Nigeria’s prolific Yoruba film sector. Industry insiders have long whispered about rivalries and factions, but few have spoken publicly about alleged incidents of violence or retaliation.
The feud between Baba Suwe and Yinka Quadri, referenced by Opebe, represents just one thread in a complex tapestry of relationships that define—and sometimes divide—one of Africa’s most productive film industries.
As Opebe’s story circulates on social media and entertainment news platforms, it serves as both a personal testimony and a potential catalyst for broader conversations about workplace safety, professional ethics, and the human cost of loyalty in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
The veteran actor’s decision to speak out, decades into his career, underscores the lasting impact of the alleged incident and raises important questions about accountability and reform within an industry that continues to captivate millions across Africa and beyond.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Veteran Nollywood actor Yomi “Opebe” King has accused fellow actor Yinka Quadri of physically assaulting him on the set of “Eku Meji” under the guise of a scripted fight scene. The alleged attack was reportedly retaliation for Opebe’s loyalty to his late friend Baba Suwe during an industry feud.
