Deyemi Okanlawon Opens Up About His Unforgettable Journey to Japan and Speaks Out on EFCC Crackdowns
For Deyemi Okanlawon, stepping into Japan’s entertainment space wasn’t just a career move—it was a personal milestone. The popular Nollywood actor recently returned from an exciting project that took him far beyond familiar film sets and into the heart of Tokyo.
After a family trip to Japan, Deyemi found himself diving into a groundbreaking collaboration with NHK, one of the country’s top TV networks. What began as a visit turned into something much bigger: a lead role in a sci-fi series where he portrayed a key African character.
Reflecting on the experience, he described his time on set in Japan as nothing short of extraordinary.
“I just wrapped up filming in Japan,” he said. “They were casting for an African role, did their research, and brought me in. I was there for three months. Honestly, it was the best experience of my life. The Japanese have such a strong commitment to excellence—it’s inspiring.”
But while he’s celebrating professional highs abroad, back home, he’s paying attention to pressing issues.
In a recent conversation on Nollywood On Radio, Deyemi didn’t hold back his thoughts on how Nigerian celebrities are being singled out by the EFCC. The actor expressed concern over how the agency seems to zero in on public figures, particularly entertainers, over actions like spraying money at events—while far weightier issues remain untouched.
“People want to see real accountability,” he said. “If those in power or institutions guilty of major corruption were being investigated with the same energy, Nigerians would actually feel protected.”
His comments follow a string of recent incidents involving public figures—like businessman E-Money, singer Terry Apala, and actors Iyabo Ojo and AY Makun—who’ve faced backlash or been invited for questioning over alleged currency abuse.
Deyemi’s voice adds to a growing conversation among creatives who feel the spotlight of enforcement is being unfairly cast. And as he balances global work with local advocacy, one thing’s clear: he’s not just chasing roles—he’s choosing purpose too.
