Lights, Camera, Legal Briefs!

Nollywood is home to many talented actors, actresses, and filmmakers with diverse backgrounds. Surprisingly, some of these stars studied law before making their mark in entertainment. While some actively practiced law before transitioning into acting and filmmaking, others still maintain a connection to the legal profession.

You might be surprised to learn that some of Nollywood’s brightest stars once swapped courtrooms for film sets. You might be familiar with names like Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kenneth Okonkwo, Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, etc. But, here we’ll be diving into  the intriguing journeys of ten industry figures who began or have careers in law that you probably don’t know about.

Kemi Adetiba – The Filmmaker with a Legal Background

Kemi Adetiba embarked on her academic journey at the University of Lagos, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. Following her graduation, she was called to the Nigerian Bar, marking her formal entry into the legal profession. However, Adetiba’s passion for storytelling and visual media soon led her to transition from law to the entertainment industry. She initially gained prominence as a radio presenter with Rhythm 93.7 FM, hosting popular shows like “Soul’d Out” and “Sunday at the Seaside.” Her on-air success paved the way for television, where she produced and presented several programs on Mnet, including “Studio 53” and “Temptation Nigeria.”

Eager to hone her skills behind the camera, Adetiba enrolled at the New York Film Academy, focusing on filmmaking. This decision culminated in her directorial debut with the feature film The Wedding Party in 2016, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and became a box office sensation in Nigeria. She further solidified her reputation with the critically acclaimed King of Boys.

Despite her legal education, she followed her passion for filmmaking and media, making a name for herself as a music video director before venturing into movies. Today, she is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after filmmakers, proving that a legal education can be an asset in any field.

Bukola Ogunsola – The Director Who Knows the Law

Bukola Ogunsola hails from a family deeply rooted in the medical profession, with her father being a renowned cardiologist and her mother a retired nurse. She pursued her legal studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, graduating with a law degree in 2002. Upon completing her Bar examinations, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2004. Ogunsola’s legal career commenced with a stint as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Ilorin’s Faculty of Law during her National Youth Service Corps year. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Ibadan in 2007. Her professional journey included roles such as Legal Counsel at Infinite Associates in Ilorin and Legal Assistant at Arbitration and ADR in Africa, Abuja.

In 2015, driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling, Ogunsola transitioned into filmmaking. She honed her craft at the London Film Academy and the Met Film School, focusing on screenwriting and filmmaking. Her debut screenplay, The Perfect Plan, was produced for Africa Magic. She went on to write, direct, and produce her first feature film, Happy Father’s Day, followed by its sequel, Another Father’s Day, which received a nationwide cinema release in 2019 and is available on Amazon Prime. Her latest project, Something About the Briggs hit cinemas on January 31, 2025.

Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) – The Actor, Politician, and Lawyer

Richard Mofe-Damijo, affectionately known as RMD, is a multifaceted Nigerian figure renowned for his contributions to acting, law, and politics. He initially studied Theatre Arts at the University of Benin, laying the foundation for his illustrious acting career. Demonstrating a commitment to broadening his professional horizons, RMD returned to academia to pursue a law degree, further diversifying his expertise. After completing his legal studies, he was called to the Nigerian Bar, officially becoming a qualified lawyer. In the realm of politics, RMD served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, contributing to the development and promotion of cultural initiatives within the region.

His notable filmography includes acclaimed works such as Out of Bounds and The Wedding Party, where he delivered compelling performances that have left a lasting impact on Nollywood. RMD’s diverse career trajectory exemplifies a harmonious blend of artistic passion, legal acumen, and public service, establishing him as a distinguished and influential figure in Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape.

Aisha Lawal – The Yoruba Star with a Law Degree

Aisha Lawal is a Nigerian actress known for her significant contributions to Yoruba Nollywood cinema. She pursued her legal education at Lead City University, where she earned her law degree. In addition to her legal studies, Lawal obtained a diploma in Performing Arts, reflecting her passion for the creative field.

This combination of legal and artistic education paved the way for her successful acting career. She has garnered acclaim for her roles in films such as Irugbin and Simbi Alamala, where she showcased her depth as an actress. Lawal’s unique blend of legal knowledge and performing arts expertise has distinguished her in the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly within the Yoruba film sector.

Eso Dike – The Legal Eagle Soaring in Nollywood

Okolocha Esowese Dike, professionally known as Eso Dike, is a multifaceted Nigerian talent: actor, musician, television personality, lawyer, and media entrepreneur. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Dike pursued a legal education at the University of Benin, obtaining his LL.B degree. He furthered his legal training at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, earning his B.L. and gaining admission to the Nigerian Bar. Despite his legal qualifications, Dike’s passion for the arts led him to the entertainment industry. He began his career interning at Spice TV and, after numerous auditions, secured a role in the Nigerian television series Tinsel in 2016. Dike has since portrayed notable characters such as Tsola in The Smart Money Woman (2020), Leye in Game On (2020), and Malik in Ricordi (2021).

His performances in films like Ijakumo, The Wildflower, and The Stand Up contributed to his recognition as one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing actors in 2022, with these films collectively earning over ₦300 million at the Nigerian box office. Transitioning from law to entertainment presented challenges, including initial skepticism from his family and the difficulties of establishing a foothold in Nollywood. However, Dike’s perseverance and dedication have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.

Genoveva Umeh – The UK-Trained Lawyer Turned Nollywood Star

Genoveva Umeh is a Nigerian actress who initially pursued a legal career in the United Kingdom. She completed her law studies in the UK, equipping herself with a solid foundation in legal principles. Despite her legal background, Umeh’s passion for acting led her to transition into the entertainment industry upon her return to Nigeria. She gained prominence for her role in the Nigerian series Blood Sisters, where her performance was met with critical acclaim. Umeh’s journey from law to acting highlights her versatility and dedication to her craft, as she continues to make significant strides in Nollywood.

Abimbola Craig – The Producer Who Stepped into the Spotlight

Abimbola Craig, born on November 3, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria, initially pursued a career in law before making a significant impact in Nollywood. She earned her LL.B degree from the University of Buckingham in England and subsequently completed the Nigerian Law School program, becoming a qualified solicitor and advocate. Craig practiced law for several years, specializing in corporate law, which provided her with a strong foundation in the professional world.

Her transition into the entertainment industry began behind the scenes as a producer. She was initially slated to produce the web series Skinny Girl in Transit but ended up playing the lead role of Tiwalade, a character that resonated with many viewers. Her portrayal garnered widespread acclaim, leading to further opportunities both in front of and behind the camera. Beyond acting, Craig has produced and co-produced notable projects, including the box office hit Sugar Rush in 2019. Her journey from law to entertainment exemplifies a dynamic career shift, highlighting her versatility and passion for storytelling.

Rita Daniels – The Matriarch with a Multifaceted Career

Rita Daniels Chukuji is a renowned Nigerian actress, filmmaker, movie producer, politician, investor, and entrepreneur. She has made significant contributions to Nollywood, both as an actress and a producer, with notable works such as The Perfect Ladder and Letter to My Daughter. In addition to her entertainment career, Daniels has been active in politics and business, showcasing her versatility across various fields. She is also recognized as the mother of the talented actress Regina Daniels, further cementing her legacy in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Sandra Okunzuwa – From Courtrooms to Cameras

Sandra Okunzuwa studied law at the University of Benin where she earned her LL.B degree before attending law school in Abuja in 2015. Okunzuwa initially practiced law, gaining valuable experience in the legal field.

Her passion for the arts led her to explore acting, and she eventually transitioned into the entertainment industry. She has since appeared in several notable films, including Lady of the Night (2024), Sarah’s Bind (2023), and Something Like Gold among others. Okunzuwa’s journey from practicing law to acting showcases her versatility and dedication to pursuing her passions.

Scarlet Gomez – The Beauty Queen with a Legal Edge

Gbemisola Scarlet Shotade Gomez, known professionally as Scarlet Gomez, is a Nigerian actress, singer, and model. She was born in Lagos and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. Before venturing into the entertainment industry, Gomez had a background in law, having studied the discipline during her academic pursuits. She gained prominence after winning the Miss United Nations Tourism pageant in Kingston, Jamaica, in December 2012. Transitioning into acting, Gomez has appeared in various Nollywood productions, including the 2023 Showmax Original telenovela-series Wura. Her diverse talents and experiences have established her as a multifaceted figure in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

These Nollywood stars have demonstrated that having a legal background doesn’t limit one’s career choices. While some have completely embraced entertainment, others still leverage their legal expertise in various ways. Their journeys prove that passion, dedication, and versatility can lead to success in multiple fields.

Who among these Nollywood stars surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!