By AZUH AMATUS
Edozieh
Since her bold arrival in Nollywood in 97, action roles–loving top actress, Obygold Edozieh, has not stopped attracting attention to herself, courtesy of her undying love for the klieg lights. In fact, pretty Edozieh is among the few stars that are very outspoken, especially on controversial issues within and outside the industry without minding whose ox is gored.
The Valentino star and ex banker, who had been heart-broken twice by men in her quest for true love, said 95% of them can’t be trusted, because they cheat and lie a lot. And when asked if that could be one of the reasons she is still single, Edozieh who was discovered by Zeb Ejiro, was quick to answer with a shrug.
In this riveting encounter, she declared that her dream man would soon come and eventually walk her to the altar. The leggy thespian from Aguleri, Anambra State, also bared her mind on several other issues within and outside Tinsel town.
Enjoy the interaction!
Are you still bitter and angry with Nigerian men?
I’ve never been angry with them like that, but men are evil you can’t do without and that is just it. They are necessary in our lives. Even though we still have the few good ones, 95% of them are bad. Don’t ask if I’m talking from experience, I’m talking generally, go round and you will see ladies complaining bitterly about men.
You promised your fans that you would be married soon and one year had passed and you are still single. Any problem(s)?
Probably, we are still waiting for the D-day to come very soon. My fans should just keep their fingers crossed… I’m not in a haste to marry.
How about the story currently making the rounds that you are neck deep in a romance with a Nigerian guy based in the U.S. Is marriage in the offing?
Let’s wait till then; I’m tired of talking about my romance or love life on the pages of newspapers. I will talk about my husband only on my wedding day, now I’m sorry, no comment. I don’t want to talk or flaunt any man till I’m very sure and convinced he is the God given man for me and that would be on the wedding day.
And when is the exact date your long-awaited wedding is coming up?
By God’s grace, very soon, in fact, before you know it or do you want to marry me? Well, if you have also seen a husband for me, let me know.
Your parents, are they not worried and concerned about your single status?
Anyway, I’m not too old to be single, my late dad in the grave, I’m too sure will be praying for me to have the best husband, probably somebody like him. My mum is expecting a son-in-law, and I know it will happen very soon.
So, in essence, there are pressures in some quarters?
Even if they are pressures, they don’t have to push me too much, because I’m the one that would wear the shoes and not them.
But deep down, do you sometimes feel bad about your single status taking into cognizance the fact that some of your younger colleagues are fast getting married?
Ehm! It’s not how far, but how well. I don’t feel bad or terrible, with God, there is a reason for everything.
Let’s take a look at your ideal man again?
First and foremost, he must know God and be God fearing. He must have conscience; they easily hurt you without minding how you feel. He must be educated also.
How true is the story that you would soon relocate permanently to the East to join most of your colleagues, because of the in-flow of movie roles?
For me, the story is the joke of the year; I’ve also heard about it from different people. I don’t have plans to relocate out of Lagos, it is my base.
You are so much in love with action and tough-talking roles; you hardly play romantic roles in movies, why?
Honestly speaking, how I wish producers would allow me exhibit the love and romantic side of me in a movie, they’ve not given me that chance, they keep casting me for action roles. I’m a versatile actress full of romance and emotion. I’m a very, very romantic, loving and emotional person.
Currently, what is your love life like?
Why are you asking, do you have anybody for me? Well, if you insist, yes, I’m hooked and married to Jesus my affair is with Jesus.
What are the new grooves you are currently experiencing in Nollywood?
Not much! Except that I’ve been pencilled down for a mouth-watering movie deal in London. But I wouldn’t want to talk about it till I finish sorting out the contract papers with the guys.
How soon are you leaving?
Very, very soon, it is the papers that are delaying.
What is the next level for you?
The next level for me is taking my thriving career to the highest level, produce my own movies and help humanity in my own little way.
Which part of your sexy body drives men crazy?
Whao! My eyes, men always compliment my eyes a lot. They usually tell me it drives them crazy.
Before embracing acting, what were you doing?
I was a student at Lagos State University, studying History and International Relations. I came into acting through Sola Fosudo, he is a lecturer in my school. One day I walked up to him and told him I would love to act and he gave me a note to Zeb Ejiro and that was how I started acting. This was in 1997. The following year, I featured in my first major movie entitled, To Have and To Cherish. But before then, I had done minor roles in Venom of Justice and Beyond Vows, by Gabosky. The following year, I took a break from acting because of my Youth Service, which I did with NNB Bank. I re–launched myself back to mainstream acting after my service with the lead role in Zeb Ejiro’s rested soap, Candle Light.
Were your parents in support of you going into acting then, considering the many negative stories associated with actresses?
Yes! My parents, especially my late dad who died in ’99, all supported me.
Which of your movies brought you into limelight?
It was Abuja Connection, from the stable of O.J. Productions. Other of my films that made me popular were Ruff Ryders, Opposite Love, Valentino, Passion and Pain, and Runs. They are many I can’t remember them. But the fact is that Oby Ediozieh has done lots of hit movies… both action packed and romance. I’m a total artiste.
What is your family background like?
Oby Edozieh is the third in a family of six; we are four girls and two boys. We are from Aguleri in Anambra State. My dad is late and mum lives in London, but currently holidaying in Nigeria with some of her grandchildren.
How old is Oby Edozieh?
(Laughs heartily) Just added one to my age early this year. Oby is an adult okay. My age is not important…
How was growing up and where did you grow up?
My growing up was fantastic and lovely. I grew up here in Lagos and also had my nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary educations here in Lagos.
Why do people keep saying you are bossy, arrogant, and domineering?
Me? All these allegations are baseless and unfounded; I’m a down-to-earth lady. The fact is that most of my colleagues have not really taken out time to know the real Oby Edozieh. I’m not. I wonder where they get all these from. Most of the people saying this do not even know me. How do you expect me to greet, hug and kiss anybody that comes my way, it is not possible? Oby Edozieh is very simple, loving, understanding and romantic. How can I be domineering, when I know I’m submissive and cry easily? People should stop allowing my look to deceive them; it’s just a big cover up.
So, in essence you are soft, romantic, and down-to-earth?
Yes, I’m very soft, emotional, down-to-earth, and romantic.
How romantic?
Very, very romantic and loving. Do you want to try me? (General laughter)
In that case, we would like to know more about your love life?
So sorry, my love life is a no go area. I will comment on it, the day I finally go to the altar. Please let that aspect be rested for now.
Are you fully ready for the altar, if tomorrow comes?
If God says it is today, I’m ready to go.
So, why not reveal a bit of your Romeo to us?
Hold on till the very day we will both storm the altar and be proclaimed husband and wife by the officiating minister.
Can you still remember when you had your first kiss?
(Laughs and thinks deeply) I can’t actually remember, but it’s been long, very, very long.
Have men ever jilted you before?
(Cuts in) Yes! On two occasions and I wouldn’t want to talk about them because of the bitter experiences. They hurt me badly whenever I remember them.
What do you hate most about Nigerian men?
Nigerian men are not straightforward; I’m talking from experience. They cheat a lot. They are not trustworthy. In fact, you can’t trust them. I’m speaking from experience; they lie with both sides of their mouths. 95% of them are liars, users, fake and heartbreakers, and no apologies for this.
Describe Oby Edozieh for us?
Oby is God fearing, emotional, loving, understanding, blunt, hardworking, pretty and multi-talented.
Let us assume you are not acting today, what else would you have been doing?
Probably modelling or be a practicing corporate lawyer with a multinational company.
What other qualities trip you in a man?
First and foremost, for a guy to win my heart, he must be loving, straightforward, handsome and understanding. I also love men that are hardworking.
What are your views on Nollywood?
We thank God for Nollywood. We are also very proud that it is the fastest growing movie-making empire in the world. Our producers and directors are doing wonderfully well, but they should stop recycling same faces in every of our movies. We have lots of up and coming stars waiting to make bold statements, they should also be discovered and showcased to the globe… We’ve got abundant talents in Nollywood.
Has any of your movies really challenged you?
None yet! But Abuja Connection 3 was a bit tough, because I played the role of a mad woman so well in the movie. I was also well paid. But I’m waiting for real challenging roles.
In the movie industry who and who do you look up to globally as role models?
Ehm! I look up to Demi Moore and Denzel Washington; I pray to act alongside the two of them someday. In Nollywood, I look up to Clarion Chukwura and Eucharia Anunobi. I also like RMD and Ramsey Noah.
And how are you coping with male attention as a sexy and star actress?
It’s not been easy, especially the incessant phone calls. But I also try to be polite to them whenever they come up with the issue of dating and wanting to marry me, especially on the phone.
When the time comes, what would you like to be remembered for?
For the happiness and sweetness I brought into homes with my acting. Also for my humanitarian works within and outside Nollywood. I would also like to be remembered for being Oby Edozieh, the lovely and friendly actress.
Still on your love life, give us a hint on your secret Romeo?
Why are you so concerned about my love life, on the D-day, you will definitely see him? Leave me alone abeg.
First published, June 2006.
