Veteran Nollywood actor Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya Igwe, has opened up about one of the most painful regrets in his career and personal life – declining to lend his newly-purchased luxury car to gospel singer Tope Alabi and her husband for their wedding.
At the 55th birthday celebration of Alabi, Olaiya shared the story behind his new Mercedes-Benz “V-Boot”, which he had boldly inscribed with “Ololade Mr Money 1” following the success of his film.
However, his excitement was tempered by a recent trauma: while promoting the movie in Ibadan, his car had been stolen.
Although the vehicle was eventually recovered, the theft left him feeling paranoid.
According to him, it was during this vulnerable time that Tope Alabi and her husband approached him.
They asked if they could use his new V-Boot for their wedding procession, and he initially agreed.
But the memory of the theft soon resurfaced, prompting a fear for the car’s safety.
He worried aloud: “What if armed robbers snatched it from them?” and ultimately withdrew his offer.
According to the actor, his decision to stop picking up calls from Tope Alabi a day before the wedding haunted him ever since.
“I didn’t give her the car. I disappointed Tope Alabi,” he confessed.
He went on to say that although he asked for her forgiveness at a professional meeting in Ogun State, the guilt remains.
Olaiya noted the contrast in their fortunes – while Tope Alabi now owns several luxury vehicles, he still struggles to afford one.
He described this disparity as painful and persistent, admitting that this incident stands out as his greatest regret both professionally and personally.
Reflecting further, he explained that the decision was not born out of malice but fear – fear of losing what he had just acquired, and fear of failing someone he considered a younger sister.
He emphasized that his anxiety stemmed from his recent theft experience in Ibadan.
Olaiya’s openness sheds light on the emotional weight of the decision and the lasting impact of past trauma.
In his words: “She informed me about her wedding, and I had just bought a car… But after she left I had a second thought: what if armed robbers snatched the car from them?”
Despite the apology, the actor said the remorse lingers because he believes his younger sister deserved better trust and support from him on that day.
He also hinted that the moment taught him about responsibility, reputation, and the consequences of letting fear override goodwill.
It serves as a cautionary tale even for younger actors about how decisions made in private can echo publicly.
Olaiya emphasized that the matter remained his own burden and that he has worked to maintain professional decorum.
Persecondnews reports that the sincerity with which Olaiya shared his story indicates a pursuit of closure instead of a dramatic performance.
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