The Miss Nigeria Organisation has issued a public apology to Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde following a viral red carpet incident at the 46th Miss Nigeria Patrons & Board Dinner.
In a statement released Tuesday, the organisers clarified that the young presenter seen in the widely circulated video was not an accredited media representative and had no official role at the exclusive, invitation-only event.
“We wish to sincerely apologise to Omotola for the discomfort she experienced. She remains a deeply valued member of our community and a respected figure who has contributed immensely to the growth of the creative industry,” the statement read.
According to the organisation, media access to the event was strictly limited to authorised channels, noting that the presence of unauthorised individuals sometimes leads to awkward or unprofessional encounters.
The organisers further stated that the viral clip did not capture the full sequence of events, alleging that multiple individuals approached the actress in a manner that invaded her personal space and made her feel unsafe.
“The footage circulating online has been edited and does not reflect the full extent of what transpired,” the statement added, while condemning the actions of anyone engaging guests without proper clearance.
In the video, Omotola appeared visibly surprised when the presenter opened the interview by asking her to introduce herself.
“You are here with who? I should tell you my name? You are not ready,” she responded, initially declining the interaction.
When the interviewer attempted to clarify his intent, the actress expressed frustration, saying, “Why should I let fans know me? I am tired,” before attempting to leave. However, a later clip showed she eventually granted the interview while seated.
The Miss Nigeria Organisation urged media practitioners to adhere strictly to event protocols and called on the public to respect the privacy and dignity of invited guests.
It also encouraged fans to support Omotola’s latest film, Mother’s Love, revealing that proceeds from the cinema release will benefit the Slum2School Africa initiative.
Describing her as a role model, the organisation concluded: “That is the Omotola we know and celebrate,” while thanking attendees for contributing to the success of the 2026 Patrons Ball.
