Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji reflects on divine success, personal growth in “Ayinla” biopic
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about his transformative experience portraying the legendary Ayinla in the acclaimed biopic, describing the film’s success as “divinely orchestrated” rather than a human achievement.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, he reflected, “There’s nothing ordained by man. If there’s any project that epitomises that, it is Ayinla, because that could only have been God.”
Adedimeji revealed the challenge of stepping outside his usual roles, sharing, “I was never an Apala guy. But part of what makes one a Thespian is the ability to sink into any role and own it like it’s a birthright.”
He described how embracing this role brought him unexpected joy.
Working with notable talents like Debo Macaroni, Omowunmi Dada, and Kunle Afolayan, the actor credited directors Jade Osiberu and Tunde Kelani for their trust and said he learned valuable lessons along the way.
He also embraced a hidden passion during the project, writing, “I love to sing, but I never thought it could come to the fore like it did in Ayinla. I love my roots, but I never thought it would come to life like it did.”
Following the film’s success and a wave of biopics since, Adedimeji has earned the nickname “king of biopics,” a title he is starting to enjoy. “I like it, do you?” he teased.
