A fresh controversy has emerged in Nollywood after veteran actress Patience Umeh claimed that her colleague, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, does not accept kissing or romantic roles in movies, attributing her stance to her strict Catholic upbringing.
Speaking on the Where Is The Lie podcast, Umeh described Chukwuka as a “good girl” who was raised under Catholic discipline, adding that the actress’ early years as a legionary in church strongly influenced her career choices. According to Umeh, Chukwuka had made it clear on several occasions that she would not compromise her values by taking up intimate roles on screen.
“Chioma Chukwuka was brought up in a very Catholic home. She doesn’t accept kissing or romantic roles in movies. I’m saying this out of experience. She has always held on to that discipline,” Umeh said, sparking mixed reactions from fans and film lovers.
However, critics were quick to point out that Chukwuka has, in fact, played romantic roles in a number of Nollywood films. Most recently, she was seen kissing her co-star Femi Adebayo in the 2024 movie Seven Doors, a performance that trended online and contradicted claims that she avoids intimacy on screen.
Chioma Chukwuka, who has been in Nollywood for over two decades, is widely respected for her versatility and has played a wide range of roles from village dramas to urban blockbusters. While she has often been cast as a “good wife” or “virtuous woman,” film analysts note that her career trajectory shows an actress willing to adapt to changing industry demands while maintaining a strong personal brand.
The controversy has since ignited debate among Nollywood fans on social media. Some argue that Umeh’s comments reflect outdated stereotypes about actresses’ personal faith versus professional responsibility, while others praised Chukwuka for allegedly holding firm to her boundaries. The actress herself is yet to publicly respond to Umeh’s claims.
Industry watchers say this debate underscores a larger conversation in Nollywood about how actors balance personal values with the demands of storytelling, especially as audiences increasingly embrace bold, global-standard productions that push cultural boundaries. Whether or not Umeh’s claims hold weight, Chioma Chukwuka’s career continues to prove that discipline and talent remain her strongest trademarks.
