‘I Strive To Do Better And Avoid Stereotyping Roles- Actor, Ralph Niyi of Awon Aladun De

By Akinwale Kasali

Ralph Niyi Olukomogun is a household name in the Nollywood industry. But his dynamism in what stands him out in a crowd, his colleagues and peers.

Popularly known as Dr. Olanrewaju Adun, or Daddy Junior, in a family series film on Multichoice Cable Network, Africa Magic, Awon Aladun De, his role and the interpretation makes it a sought after Family series that thousands of Nigerians stay glued to their Television on a daily basis, on African Magic  to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor and his family in the series.

His uniqueness made Awon Aladun De series to be rated as the best family series on Africa Magic for two years running.

He also featured in Funke Akindele Bello’s television series, Jenifa Diary, where he acted as Kiki’s Father.

But the Kogi state, Okun-born actor gives kudos to the Executive Producer of Awon Aladun De family series, Adeleye Fabusoro, who is also the producer of Borokini and Aajirebi on Africa Magic, for having confidence in him and in bringing up and grooming raw talents like Junior, Jumoke (His Children in the series) and Segbowe.

Recalling how he got a call up to the set of Awon Aladun De, the multilingual actor said he was contracted to replace a senior colleague, Ropo Ewenla , and luckily for him, the film went viral and got acceptability, and has become the most rated family series in Nigeria.

Season Five and Six of the family series have been done and aired with season Seven set to hit the screen.

Niyi’s sojourn to the Nollywood started decades ago .with playing parts in English.  But he was challenged to go further and do something different.

“I got my first shot into the Yoruba Movie Industry, where I played a major role and the lead cast in Mulika Nka Ko with veterans like Baba Wande, Fali Werepe, late Aisha Abimbola, Yemi Solade and the rest.

“Opeyemi Aiyeola also gave me a lead role in her movies like; Aiye Gbege, Ase Sile Labo Aba, Arole Aare where I acted as her husband. This was my Genesis”.

The Hausa, Yoruba and English Speaking actor says that versatility, capability and dynamism as a director, script writer and an actor is one unique thing about him, and most importantly, the God factor has seen him become a force to reckon with in the industry.

The father of three says he hasn’t done anything out of his own volition, but God’s knowledge and mercies have seen him this far.

Discussing about the industry, Niyi is of the opinion that the Nollywood industry isn’t doing  badly, as it is presently rated third movie Industry in the world behind Bollywood and Hollywood.

“Nollywood has created what no one can shove aside in Nigeria and the world at large, and it is also contributing to the nation’s economy directly or indirectly”, he said.

Ralph Niyi’s philosophy of life is to make our Yes be Yes and our No be No, no matter whose ox is gored.

“I have my name and integrity to protect at all times, so hold that in high esteem and I am a down to earth person”.

He, however, sees the industry soaring higher in the next five years, with his best yet to come.