Veteran actress Tola Oladokun has opened up about how her illustrious acting career began over four decades ago with a chance encounter at a local market in Ibadan.
The actress, widely known for her role as Mama Jenifa in Funke Akindele’s popular comedy series, shared the story of how she transitioned from being a cloth seller to a screen sensation.
With gratitude to an unexpected meeting with some of Yoruba cinema’s most revered figures, the actress recounts her journey into moviedom.
“Back then, my husband was a police officer, and I was into the business of selling clothes,” she recounted. “One day, we went to buy foodstuffs at Itamerin Market in Ibadan, and I ran into Baba Olofa’na (Chief Adedeji Aderemi), the late Alhaji Arigbabuwo, and the late Alhaji Ogun Majek. I greeted them warmly and expressed my admiration for their work.”
Moved by her enthusiasm, the actors asked if she had a guarantor, as a prerequisite to join their troupe.
“My husband was with me, so I told them he would be my guarantor, and they agreed,” she continued. “That was how I began attending rehearsals at Baba Arigbabuwo’s place, which was conveniently close to my house. They eventually started casting me in roles.”
While she worked with several respected names in the industry, Oladokun credits Chief Adedeji Aderemi, fondly known as Baba Olofa’na, as her true mentor.