March 24, (THEWILL) — The Miss Nigeria Organization has issued a public statement following a viral video involving veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and a young presenter at the 46th Miss Nigeria Patrons & Board Dinner.
In the clip, the presenter awkwardly asked Omotola to introduce herself during a red-carpet segment, prompting a tense exchange.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the organizers clarified that the individual seen in the video was not an accredited media representative and had no official connection to the event.
“First and foremost, we wish to publicly extend our sincerest apologies to Omotola for the discomfort she experienced.
“She is a deeply valued member of the Miss Nigeria community, a close friend of the organization, and a woman who has spent decades paving the way for young creatives in this country. She deserves the utmost respect and care,” the statement partly read.
The organization said the Patrons & Board Dinner was strictly invite‑only, with media access limited to official channels, and added that uninvited individuals can create situations that catch guests off guard.
They also noted that the viral clip does not show the full context.
Multiple people reportedly entered Omotola’s personal space, making her feel uncomfortable. The statement called such behavior “completely unacceptable.”
The Miss Nigeria Organization urged both media practitioners and the public to respect event rules and the privacy of guests.
It also encouraged viewers to support Omotola’s new film, “Mother’s Love”, with proceeds going to Slum2School Africa.
“That is the Omotola we know and celebrate,” the statement concluded.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
