Uzor Arukwe: Nollywood Producers Keep Offering Me ‘Odogwu’ Roles

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has expressed frustration over being repeatedly cast in “Odogwu” roles, urging film producers to give him opportunities to explore different characters.

Arukwe made the remarks during an interview on The Creativitea Podcast, where he said producers continued to offer him similar roles because they believed the characters would guarantee returns on their investments.

“All the producers in Nollywood now want to kill me with Odogwu character. You can’t put me in a box,” the actor said.

He urged filmmakers to take chances on other characters, arguing that the same way someone gave him an opportunity to play the role that helped establish his popularity, other producers could also create fresh characters for him.

“The same way someone took a chance on that character, you can also create another character and give to me,” Arukwe said.

His comments come amid growing conversations about his frequent portrayal of “igbotic” characters, which have become a recognisable feature of some of his performances.

Arukwe’s manager, Mautin Tairu, popularly known as Mr M, recently admitted that he also shared fans’ frustration with the actor’s repeated use of such roles.

The actor’s latest comments highlight his desire to move beyond a familiar screen persona and demonstrate his versatility through a wider range of roles.