Bolaji Ogunmola Blasts Critics Over Daniel Etim-Effiong Romance Rumours

Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola has firmly dismissed online speculation regarding a romantic relationship with her co-star, Daniel Etim-Effiong. The rumours ignited following the February 6 release of her YouTube film, The Bloom After, which features several intimate scenes between the pair.

In the movie, Ogunmola plays Inara, a woman rediscovering herself after a divorce, while Etim-Effiong portrays Nachi, a love interest. After a viewer on X suggested their on-screen chemistry was “too much” and mirrored the start of other controversial celebrity relationships, Ogunmola responded with visible frustration.

“You are an absolute retard!! You watched to tweet stupidity and it shows. What is the entire film about you nitwit!! you want to reduce my entire work to kissing,” she wrote, defending the project’s message of empowerment.

The actress clarified that her relationship with Etim-Effiong, who is married to media personality Toyosi Etim-Effiong, is purely professional. She went as far as to state, “We don’t even talk outside of work!” to shut down any idea of a personal connection.

Deeply discouraged by the focus on the intimate scenes rather than the film’s artistic value, Ogunmola hinted that she might withdraw from social media. She expressed a desire to hire a manager to handle her accounts so she can focus solely on “what really matters… the work!”

Despite the social media firestorm, The Bloom After has proven to be a massive hit with audiences, racking up over 1.5 million views within days of its debut. Fans of the duo have noted that while they have collaborated on multiple projects, their bond remains strictly within the confines of the set.

Etim-Effiong’s wife, Toyosi, has previously laughed off similar concerns, noting that she trusts her husband completely and views his romantic scenes as a standard part of his professional duties as an actor