There are numerous actors who could have made this list, but it has been whittled down to just five, glamsquad reports.
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It should be noted that, with the exception of one, none of these actors have officially stated that they have retired from acting; rather, they have simply not been seen on a regular basis due to family, politics, business, and other commitments.
Genevieve Nnaji
In the early 2000s, Genevieve Nnaji was the face of the Nigerian film industry.
The multiple award winner who has appeared in a slew of films took a break from the spotlight, and it has been speculated that Genny may be calling it quits as an actor.
The Imo state-born actress, whose talent was discovered while she was living in Lagos’ Egbeda suburb, was said to be suffering from mental health issues, but Genevieve only took a break on purpose for personal reasons.
In November 2022, the screen diva made a public appearance at a function in the United States.
Nigerians will be hoping that their celebrity will return, either as an actress or behind the scenes calling the shots.
St. Obi
Obinna Nwafor, better known as Saint Obi, has been absent from our screens for a long time, owing to a marital crisis.
Obi and his estranged wife, Lydia, were allegedly in court for a murder attempt against the wife and her brothers.
Obi was briefly directing films himself, but that seemed to have ended for the time being.
Omotola Jalade
Anyone who watched a lot of movies in the late 1990s and after will tell you that most movies in which Omotola’s age profile is required in a leading role will not appeal to them unless the actress appears in them.
Omotola remains a phenomenon in the Nigerian film industry, and it is unfortunate that she is rarely seen in our films these days.
Omotola, like the other thespians mentioned in this article, has not stated that she has retired from acting.
They are either pursuing other dreams for the time being or are dissatisfied with the quality of films produced by those who refer to themselves as ‘new Nollywood’ practitioners.
Izuchukwu Okosi of Prime Business Africa was on the set of Scores to Settle, a 1998 classic directed by the late Chico Ejiro – Omotola, the lead actress in the film, had just given birth to his second child at the time.
Now that ‘Omosexy’ has more children, it begs the question of whether her growing family and husband, Mr Matthew Ekeinde (a pilot with a leading Nigerian airline), have any influence on her recent film choices.
Sandra Achums
Sandra Achuzonam, also known as Sandra Achums, was one of the most sought-after actresses in the 1990s and early 2000s.
She was a great role interpreter who appeared in many films but had to relocate to Germany with her husband after her wedding.
This writer met the Imo state-born actress on the set of ‘Dead End Part 2’ in April 1997 (Directed by late Chico Ejiro, Creative Director Fred Amata) and witnessed firsthand the enormous respect she commanded from the cast and crew.
Onyeka Onwenu
Onyeka Onwenu is best known for her singing abilities and timeless songs, but she was also talented in films.
The ‘Elegant Stallion’ appeared in blockbuster films such as ‘Nightmare, Chain Reaction, Ladies Cot, The Chronicles, and Half of a Yellow Sun,’ among others.
Prime Business Africa has learned that Onwenu’s memoir, titled “My Father’s Daughter,” will be made into a television series starring A-list Nigerian actors.
Onwenu’s most recent film was not long ago, but she needs to appear more frequently on our screens.
We cannot wait.