In the final episode of Owambe Thieves Show, co-stars Zubby Michael and Eniola Ajao sit down for a spirited, laughter-filled conversation about love, filmmaking, star power, and the bond that made ‘Owambe Thieves’ so fun to shoot.
The film, which landed in cinemas on April 18, is Eniola Ajao’s much-anticipated follow-up to the box office hit Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju). This time, she trades myth and mysticism for Lagos glitz and ghetto hustle, co-starring with Nollywood titan Zubby Michael in a fast-paced caper about love, loyalty, and small-time scams at big-time parties.
Set during an economic downturn, ‘Owambe Thieves’ follows a struggling couple who stumble upon an unusual hustle—stealing food and drinks at Lagos owambe parties. Directed by Captain Degzy and co-produced by Anthill Studios, Lighthouse Pictures, and FilmOne Studios, the film promises action, comedy, and plenty of drama. It stars Sola Sobowale, Odunlade Adekola, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Adebowale Adedayo (Mr Macaroni) and more—all playing characters navigating love and survival in Lagos’ vibrant party scene.
Seated beside their on-screen son, played by Chimezie Imo, Michael and Ajao ease into the conversation with infectious laughter, light-hearted flirting, and reflections on working together for the first time.
“The couple that steals together stays together,” Michael quips, flashing a grin. When asked whether love is enough to sustain a marriage, Ajao doesn’t hesitate, “Love is never enough. After some time, it fades. What lasts is tolerance—seeing the person as family and choosing them every day.”
Zubby Michael echoes the sentiment. “Love is not just emotion—it’s a decision. If I choose you, I’ll sacrifice. I’ll tolerate. That’s real love.”
The conversation also touches on their careers and how Nollywood is evolving. For Michael, ‘Owambe Thieves’ represents a new phase of ambition. He is currently eyeing global visibility. “This phase of my career is about international collaboration,” he explains. “It’s time for Nollywood and Hollywood to merge. That’s the vision: global, global, global.”
For Eniola, the film marks a different kind of shift. After the scale and spectacle of ‘Ajakaju’, she wanted something more grounded and relatable. “I wanted to tell a story about family, unity, and love. And to do it with humour,” she says. “Not everything has to be big-budget or epic—sometimes the magic is in the simplicity.”
When it came to casting, Ajao was deliberate. “I’m intentional. I go for cinema faces—people who will draw the crowd. You don’t just do a film because you can. Do it well. Respect the audience.”
Michael agrees. “Star power brings people in, but the production has to hold them. On this set? Everything clicked. The camera? On point. The crew? On point. You enter character by force.”
As the interview wraps, one thing is clear: ‘Owambe Thieves’ is more than just a crime comedy. It’s a tribute to Nollywood’s hustle, heart, and global ambition.
