Nollywood actor and filmmaker Deyemi Okanlawon has sparked conversations after claiming that mediocrity is often rewarded over professionalism in Nigeria, arguing that people who take their work less seriously sometimes achieve greater success than highly skilled professionals.
The actor made the remarks during a recent episode of the Dear Ife podcast, where he reflected on the realities of navigating careers in Nigeria and the challenges faced by individuals striving for excellence.
According to Okanlawon, the country’s system frequently rewards mediocrity while making it difficult for professionals who insist on maintaining high standards to thrive.
He described Nigeria as an environment where excellence is not always appreciated, warning that being “too professional” can sometimes become a disadvantage rather than an asset.
“In a country where mediocrity reigns, you can’t be too serious,” he said.
“I was joked that you can’t be too professional and succeed in Nigeria. Those who act the most unserious succeed the most.”
The filmmaker explained that his experiences over the years have led him to believe that intellectualism and professionalism are not always celebrated in the country.
He claimed that individuals often have to suppress certain qualities or adjust their approach to fit into prevailing societal expectations.
“I have realised that you have to tone your intellect down a lot to succeed here,” he added.
Although Okanlawon did not provide specific examples to support his observations, his comments have resonated with many Nigerians who believe competence and merit are sometimes overlooked in favour of connections, popularity or other non-professional considerations.
The actor’s remarks have since generated widespread debate across social media platforms.
While many users agreed with his assessment, citing experiences from workplaces, politics and the entertainment industry, others argued that professionalism and hard work still produce results, even if success may take longer to achieve.
Some commenters suggested that Okanlawon’s statement reflects broader systemic issues affecting several sectors of the country, where excellence is not always adequately rewarded.
Others maintained that the increasing competitiveness of industries such as Nollywood demonstrates that professionalism remains essential for long-term success, regardless of short-term trends.
Known for his candid views on issues affecting the creative industry, Okanlawon has often spoken about the need for higher standards, better remuneration and greater respect for professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
Earlier, the actor disclosed that he temporarily quit acting in 2019 because he was dissatisfied with the quality of available work and the level of compensation in the industry.
He revealed that he returned to a regular 9-to-5 job after concluding that his passion for acting was no longer enough to compensate for what he described as poor pay and unfulfilling projects.
Since returning to Nollywood, Okanlawon has re-established himself as one of the industry’s leading actors, featuring in numerous acclaimed films and television productions while earning praise for his performances.
His latest comments have once again reignited conversations about merit, professionalism and the value placed on excellence in Nigeria.
Whether one agrees with his assessment or not, Okanlawon’s remarks have highlighted concerns shared by many professionals who believe that creating an environment where competence is consistently rewarded is essential for national development and sustainable career growth across all sectors.
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