Gbenga Adebayo
Renowned Yoruba actor Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya Igwe, has opened up about the real reason he declined lending his car to gospel artist Tope Alabi and her husband for their wedding ceremony.
Contrary to assumptions, he clarified that his refusal was rooted in apprehension rather than ill will.
During Tope Alabi’s 55th birthday festivities, Olaiya recounted the story, revealing that he had recently purchased a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot—branded “Ololade Mr Money 1″—following the triumph of his movie.
Tope had approached him, sharing her wedding plans and requesting to borrow the vehicle.
Initially, he consented but later retracted his offer.
The actor admitted that his hesitation stemmed from a harrowing incident in Ibadan where the same car was stolen during a movie promotion.
Though the car was eventually recovered, the ordeal left him deeply cautious.
When Tope reached out a day before the wedding, he deliberately avoided her calls and withheld the car.
Olaiya confessed that while he has sought forgiveness, the regret lingers.
He elaborated: “She told me about her wedding, and I had just acquired this car… But doubts crept in—what if armed robbers targeted them?
“After returning from Ibadan, Tope visited me in Abeokuta and pleaded, ‘Big brother, we’d love to use your car for our wedding.’ I agreed at first.
“But the day before the ceremony, I ignored her calls. I let her down.
“My fear was tied to the recent theft—not malice, but the dread of losing something precious and disappointing someone I cherished like family.”
In a heartwarming turn, Tope Alabi’s 55th birthday was celebrated with a grand gesture—her husband, Soji Alabi, gifted her a luxurious Lexus SUV, commemorating her remarkable journey.
Grace Effiong
