Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Afolayan, better known as Lola Idije, has revealed that the stern and often wicked characters she portrays on screen do not reflect who she truly is.
In a candid conversation with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya, the 65-year-old clarified that her real-life personality is far from the roles that made her famous.
“I am not wicked in reality. My faith in God guides me, and I live a modest lifestyle. I don’t indulge in drinking, smoking, or other habits people often associate with movie characters,” she said.
According to Lola Idije, her commanding presence on screen is simply the product of discipline and dedication to her craft. She emphasized that her private life is the complete opposite of her on-screen persona.
Born in Agbamu, Kwara State, the actress is a relative of the late Nollywood pioneer Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love), whom she credits for shaping her early career.
Her big break came in 1995 when she starred as Madam Adisa in Deadly Affair. Since then, she has earned recognition for her iconic mother-in-law roles and for popularizing viral phrases like “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear”, which later became internet sensations.
Though she once aspired to become a businesswoman, Lola Idije said it was her late brother’s encouragement that pushed her into acting — a career that has now spanned decades and cemented her legacy in Nollywood.
