Mercy Aigbe Opens Up On Producer Who Allegedly Restricted Her From Taking Roles Without Approval

Image: Google 

Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has shared a striking experience involving a female film producer who allegedly questioned her professionalism and attempted to place strict conditions on her involvement in film projects.

Speaking at a recent industry event, the actress recounted how what was initially a routine job discussion turned into a tense exchange that left her surprised at the producer’s attitude and assumptions about her career.

According to Mercy Aigbe, the incident began when the unnamed producer reached out regarding a potential film role. However, the conversation reportedly took an unexpected turn almost immediately, with the producer questioning her identity and relevance in the industry.

“The woman was like, ‘Who is Mercy? I don’t have time. Better introduce yourself properly, or else I will cut the phone. She said the only Mercy she knows is Mercy Johnson and asked why I was calling her,” she said.

The actress explained that she tried to clarify herself calmly, pointing out that her production manager had already made initial contact about the job opportunity. However, she said the producer insisted she was unfamiliar with any prior communication and continued the conversation in a dismissive tone.

Mercy Aigbe further revealed that the producer went on to question her availability and commitments, suggesting that she should have sought permission before accepting or participating in other film projects.

“She asked me where I was, and I told her I was on set in Ibadan filming another movie, and she asked which permission I took to be filming another movie,” she added.

The actress noted that the remark surprised her, especially given the collaborative and often overlapping nature of Nollywood productions, where actors frequently move between sets based on scheduling agreements.

She implied that the expectation of needing “permission” before taking on roles reflected a misunderstanding of how professional arrangements typically work within the industry.

Although she did not disclose the identity of the producer, Mercy’s account has sparked conversations online about professionalism, power dynamics, and respect between actors and filmmakers in Nollywood.

Many industry observers have pointed out that while coordination between productions is necessary, actors are usually independent contractors who manage multiple engagements based on contracts and availability, rather than needing approval from unrelated producers.

Mercy Aigbe, who has built a long-standing career as both an actress and filmmaker, is known for her work across Yoruba and mainstream Nollywood productions. Over the years, she has featured in and produced several successful films, earning her a reputation as one of the industry’s most recognisable faces.

Her latest remarks add to ongoing discussions about how actors—especially established ones—are treated within the production ecosystem, and whether outdated perceptions still influence professional interactions behind the scenes.

As of now, the actress has not indicated whether the encounter affected her involvement in the project in question, but her comments continue to generate reactions from fans and colleagues who sympathise with her experience and call for greater professionalism across the industry.

#MercyAigbe

#TrendingNow

#NollywoodTimes