The Miss Nigeria Organisation has publicly apologised to veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde following a viral video from a recent event in Lagos.
The clip, which circulated widely online, showed the actress declining to respond after a young presenter asked her to introduce herself during the 46th Miss Nigeria Patrons and Board Dinner held on Sunday.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the organisation led by Rita Dominic expressed regret over the situation and acknowledged the discomfort caused.
“We wish to publicly extend our sincerest apologies to Omotola for the discomfort she experienced,” the statement read.
“She is a deeply valued member of our community, a cultural icon, and a woman who has spent decades paving the way for young creatives. She deserves the utmost respect and care.”
The organisers also clarified that the dinner was a strictly private, invite-only event. They revealed that the presenter involved in the incident was not officially invited and had no affiliation with the programme.
“The Patrons & Board Dinner was a strictly invite-only, private event. The media representative seen in the clip was not invited and had no official affiliation with the dinner,” the statement added.
They further explained that unplanned media interactions at private gatherings can lead to awkward or misunderstood moments.
“When media presence occurs outside designated channels, it can result in impromptu situations where both guests and interviewers are caught off guard as was the case here.”
The organisation further urged the public to avoid rushing to judgment based on short video clips, emphasizing Omotola’s legacy and contributions to the industry.
“We urge the public to exercise kindness and context before drawing conclusions. Omotola has opened doors for many, and we stand firmly with her.”
The organisation also encouraged support for the actress’s latest film, Mother’s Love, currently showing in cinemas nationwide
