Nollywood Yoruba actor Taofeek Adewale, popularly known as Digboluja, has recounted how veteran actress Peju Ogunmola became angry with him after he fired a prop gun during a movie shoot in 2023, saying he had been assured that she was prepared for the scene.
A video of the incident, which has resurfaced on social media, shows Ogunmola confronting the actor shortly after the gun was fired. The actress, visibly upset, turned towards Adewale and shook him while expressing her displeasure.
“I don’t like it, you know I don’t like it when a gun is pointed at me. You didn’t tell me. I was told he (Adewale) would use an object to hit me. What rubbish!” she said.
Adewale appeared surprised by her reaction and responded that he had initially been reluctant to pull the trigger because he believed the director had informed her about the planned scene.
In a subsequent interview shared on social media, the actor explained that the incident occurred while he was playing a warrior in the movie. According to the script, he visited a woman, played by Ogunmola, who portrayed an Iyalode, to persuade her over an issue.
“I read the movie script; I acted as a warrior. When I went to meet the woman at home to talk to her, and she didn’t oblige, I shot at her,” he said, explaining the action as part of the storyline.
The actor said he knew Ogunmola was uncomfortable with guns, so he raised the concern with the movie director. However, he claimed the director assured him that the veteran actress had already been informed.
Adewale added that he understood Ogunmola would accept the scene if she was adequately prepared for it. He said he therefore proceeded with the scripted action after their on-screen exchange, only for the gunshot to catch her off guard.
When asked what Ogunmola was expected to do after hearing the shot, the actor said she was supposed to fall to the ground as required by the scene.
He maintained that her reaction was understandable because she had expected him to hit her with an object rather than fire a prop gun.
Reflecting on the incident, Adewale said he was hurt by what happened but would not have retaliated if the veteran actress had slapped or physically confronted him.
“Some people asked me what I would have done if she slapped me or rough-handled me,” he said.
He added, “If she slapped me 12 times, I won’t say a word. Once she has slapped me thrice, I will run away because she is a mother to me. I was also pained about the incident.”
The actor’s account has generated mixed reactions online, with several social media users commending his restraint and others questioning the director’s handling of the scene.
An X user, Eminent Kayode, wrote, “My respect for this man increased by ten folds.”
Another user, OyinAtiBode, criticised the director, alleging that the crew member may have deliberately put the actors in an uncomfortable situation. The user also praised Ogunmola for remaining respectful despite her anger.
Similarly, Oluwaseun described the veteran actress as a humble and good-natured person, praising her temperament.
The incident has renewed conversations about communication and safety on movie sets, particularly the need to ensure that actors understand and consent to potentially startling or risky scenes before filming begins.