Nollywood veteran says faith remains central to his life, rejects idea of worship being confined to Sundays.
More than a decade after stepping away from regular church attendance, veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has explained that his decision was largely influenced by his belief that worship and devotion to God should not be confined to a particular day.
Speaking during a recent interview on Curiosity Made Me Ask, the 66-year-old actor discussed his spiritual views, personal relationships and the public interest surrounding his life. He also reflected on his decision to practise his faith outside the conventional structure of attending church services.
Solade stressed that his withdrawal from regular church attendance should not be interpreted as a rejection of Christianity or a departure from his faith. Rather, he said his relationship with God had remained an important part of his life, even without his physical presence in church on Sundays.
“God created me in His image. I stopped going to church 13 years ago because I was not finding it funny any longer. Though I am a child of God,” he said.
Explaining his position further, the actor questioned the emphasis placed on Sunday as the designated day for worship, arguing that his relationship with God was not governed by a particular day of the week.
“My life is not orchestrated towards a particular day. There is no Sunday in the Bible. Without God, I will not be alive,” Solade said.
The actor maintained that his faith extends beyond attending religious services, suggesting that his personal connection with God is something he carries with him in his everyday life.
“I know God too well. If you get close to me, you will know that God lives in me,” he said.
‘I do not have a friend’
Solade also offered an insight into his approach to personal relationships, revealing that he intentionally keeps people at a distance despite being loved and appreciated by many.
The actor said he does not maintain close friendships or intimate relationships, describing the arrangement as one that works for him.
“I do not have a friend. I do not roll with anybody, but I move with the world because God has instructed me to do that for myself,” he said.
While acknowledging that he has affection for many people and that the feeling is reciprocated, Solade said he prefers to avoid the level of closeness that comes with intimate friendships.
“I am loved by a lot of people, and I love a lot of people. But I do not have intimacy with people. It is good for me,” he added.
Solade on public speculation
The veteran actor also addressed the speculation and conversations that frequently surround his personality, saying he views the public interest in him as evidence that he remains relevant.
According to Solade, not everything that is said about him publicly is accurate, and he has learned to distinguish between speculation and reality.
“You will only speculate. You have heard things about me; most of them are not true. If I am not important, people will not talk about me,” he said.
His comments offer a glimpse into the personal philosophy of an actor who has maintained a prominent presence in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, while choosing to approach faith, friendship and public perception on his own terms.