Adesua Etomi-Wellington has always felt like more than just an actress to audiences. Fans have witnessed her career glide seamlessly from romantic comedies like ‘The Wedding Party’ to thrillers like ‘The Set Up’ and blockbusters like ‘Gangs of Lagos’. But in recent years, fans have noticed she has been quieter, appearing less frequently on screen. The reason, she says, is as simple as it is profound: she stepped away to become a mother.
“I went to have a baby,” she said candidly during a recent chat, laughing at a joke about how she “japa-ed”, leaving for a while, only to return. It was a break that felt necessary. For Etomi-Wellington, embracing motherhood meant giving herself permission to pause, even at the height of her career.
“Even though I’ve taken a bit of a break because it’s necessary to mother, soon I’ll be back,” she promised. “I’m working on it.”
Faith, Family, and Finding Balance
At the heart of her journey lies a simple hierarchy: God first, then family, then friends, and finally her career. “God and family; those are the two most important things to me,” she explained. “I’m very blessed to have an amazing support system and God is literally my rock through every season. He gives me the grace to work through it and the strength to carry it through.”
It’s this foundation that has helped her balance the joys and challenges of new motherhood while living partly abroad. For Etomi-Wellington, gratitude is the thread running through it all. “I’m just grateful to have a family that loves me, to have the most beautiful, wonderful kids, and to still be part of the film industry.”
Her words remind us that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away. Instead, it’s about honouring the seasons of life and trusting that the career she has built can bend to fit her priorities, not the other way around.
From ‘Japa’ to ‘Ginger‘
Adesua’s most recent film appearance was in ‘Japa’, one of the industry’s big releases before her break. Now, as she prepares to return, she’s watching her friends create projects that excite her, including ‘Ginger’, directed by Yemi Morafa and starring her close friend Bisola Aiyeola.
Her support for Bisola is unreserved. “I love Bisola so much. That’s my sister and I stand ten toes down for her for anything she’s doing,” she said with a grin. “She’s one of the most beautiful, most talented people in the industry, and I think it’s wonderful that she and three other women have come together to collaborate. I think it speaks to the power of collaboration and to the power of women supporting women.”
For the actress, ‘Ginger’ isn’t just another Nollywood release; it’s a symbol of what can happen when women join forces in an industry that often pits them against each other. “I’d like to see more of it happen,” she said. “I’m hoping this gingers more women in the industry to come together to create masterpieces such as this.”
“I’m Coming“
Though she remains vague about what her official comeback will look like, Adesua Etomi-Wellington made one thing clear: she’s not done. “I’ll be back soon,” she said. “I’m coming.”
It is a simple assurance, but one that carries weight. For fans who have missed her work, her return is something to look forward to.
