Betrayal in Nollywood: Producer Olaide Olabanji Claims Mercy Aigbe Repaid His Help With "Wickedness"

 

The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is no stranger to public feuds and deep-seated rivalries. However, the latest revelation from veteran movie producer Olaide Olabanji has sent shockwaves through the Yoruba cinema circuit. On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Olabanji took to social media to voice long-standing grievances against A-list actress Mercy Aigbe, alleging that despite being the catalyst for her stardom, she repaid his mentorship with "wickedness" and ingratitude.

​In a detailed and emotional account, Olabanji painted a picture of a fractured relationship that dates back nearly two decades. His claims highlight the often-ignored complexities of talent scouting, the "Godfather" culture in Nollywood, and the thin line between professional growth and personal loyalty.

​The Genesis: Discovering Mercy Aigbe in 2006

​According to Olaide Olabanji, the story of Mercy Aigbe’s rise to fame cannot be told without mentioning his pivotal role. He claims to have discovered her in 2006 during a chance encounter. At the time, Aigbe was an aspiring actress looking for a breakthrough in the highly competitive Yoruba movie industry.

​Olabanji asserts that he took a significant risk on the then-unknown talent, casting her in her debut role and providing her with the platform necessary to showcase her skills to a wider audience. "I brought her into the industry when nobody knew her," Olabanji lamented. He emphasized that he invested his time, resources, and reputation to ensure she became a household name—a feat she eventually achieved, becoming one of the most bankable stars in Nigeria.

​Allegations of "Wickedness" and Professional Snubs

​The crux of Olabanji’s grievance lies in what happened after Mercy Aigbe attained "superstar" status. The producer alleged that once the actress gained fame and financial independence, she distanced herself from him and allegedly worked against his interests.

​While Olabanji did not specify a single "act of wickedness" in his initial outburst, he hinted at a pattern of behavior that suggested a lack of respect for his foundational role in her career. Key points of his allegation include:

• ​The "Forgotten" Mentor: Claims that Aigbe failed to acknowledge his contributions during her various award acceptance speeches and high-profile interviews over the years.
• ​Refusal to Collaborate: Allegations that the actress became "too big" or too expensive to work on his subsequent projects, despite his initial sacrifices for her.
• ​Negative Influence: Subtle hints that the actress may have used her influence to sideline him within certain industry circles.

​The Culture of Gratitude in Nollywood

​This feud taps into a broader cultural debate within the Nigerian entertainment industry regarding "gratitude" and "loyalty." In Nollywood, many veteran producers believe that younger actors owe them lifelong allegiance for "giving them a chance."

​However, younger stars and modern critics often argue that talent is a two-way street; while a producer provides the platform, the actor provides the labor and skill that ultimately makes the project successful. Olabanji’s outburst reflects the pain of a "Kingmaker" who feels discarded, whereas the silence from Mercy Aigbe’s camp (as of early April 2, 2026) suggests a desire to move past the "struggle years."

​Mercy Aigbe’s Rise to Power and Influence

​To understand why Olabanji’s claims have gained such traction, one must look at Mercy Aigbe’s current standing. Today, she is not just an actress but a formidable entrepreneur, fashion icon, and influential filmmaker. Her transition from a "starlet" discovered in 2006 to a mogul with millions of followers on Instagram has been nothing short of spectacular.

​Olabanji’s timing—releasing these statements in 2026—suggests that the wound of this perceived betrayal has never truly healed. For the producer, seeing Aigbe’s continued success without what he deems "proper recognition" is a source of immense professional and personal frustration.

​Industry Reactions: A Divided House

​As the news broke on April 2, 2026, the Yoruba movie community appeared divided. Some veterans sided with Olabanji, sharing their own stories of younger actors who "forgot their roots" once they hit the limelight. They argue that the erosion of the mentor-mentee relationship is killing the communal spirit that once defined Nollywood.

​On the other hand, younger fans and some industry peers have come to Aigbe’s defense, suggesting that Olabanji is "clinging to past glory." They argue that twenty years is a long time to hold a grudge and that an actress's career trajectory belongs to her, regardless of who cast her in her first role.

​Conclusion: Can There Be a Reconciliation?

​The public spat between Olaide Olabanji and Mercy Aigbe is a sobering reminder of the volatility of professional relationships in the spotlight. Whether Aigbe’s actions were truly "wicked" or simply the natural progression of a star outgrowing their mentor remains a matter of perspective.

​As the industry awaits a formal response from Mercy Aigbe, the conversation continues to revolve around the ethics of mentorship and the weight of gratitude. For Olabanji, the goal of his public declaration seems to be a quest for validation—a desire for the world to know that before the red carpets and the millions of fans, there was a producer who took a chance on a girl with a dream in 2006.