•Actress and producer Bukky Wright
Bukky Wright’s return to Nollywood has been one of the industry’s most talked about comebacks. In this piece adapted from her recent interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown on Your View, the veteran actress who was introduced into Nollywood by then Editor of HINTS MAGAZINE, Sunny Okim, speaks candidly about stepping away from the spotlight for motherhood, returning with The Return of Omotara Johnson, the overwhelming support from fans and colleagues, and the values that continue to shape her life.
Excerpts:
The Return of Omotara Johnson
For nearly two decades, Bukky Wright’s absence from Nollywood left many fans wondering if one of the industry’s finest actresses had quietly taken her final bow. While new stars emerged and the industry evolved, the woman who once captivated audiences with memorable performances remained largely out of the spotlight.
Then, almost without warning, she returned, not with a whisper but with The Return of Omotara Johnson, rekindling nostalgia and reminding audiences why her name remains etched in the history of Nigerian cinema.
For Bukky Wright, returning to Nollywood after years away was more than a career decision. It was a promise fulfilled.
The actress made her long awaited comeback with The Return of Omotara Johnson, the sequel to one of her most memorable films.
According to her, the decision to revisit the story was inspired by years of requests from fans who never stopped asking what happened to the iconic character.
“The fans asked for it,” she said, explaining that their unwavering love for the original film convinced her that it was time to bring Omotara Johnson back to the screen.
Judging by the response, the wait was worth it. Wright described the reception as overwhelming, revealing that cinemas recorded sold out screenings while audiences across Lagos and beyond embraced the film with excitement.
A comeback kept under wraps
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises surrounding Wright’s return was how quietly it happened.
She revealed that she deliberately kept her plans away from the public eye, adding that many people, including some within the industry, did not know she had returned to Nigeria or that she was already filming.
According to her, experience has taught her that dreams often flourish when they are protected until they become reality.
“I’ve learned that what you keep close to your heart manifests much better,” she said.
An emotional reunion
The premiere of The Return of Omotara Johnson became more than a movie premiere; it became a reunion. Surrounded by colleagues, friends and industry veterans, Wright admitted she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. Seeing so many familiar faces turn up to celebrate her return reminded her that she still occupies a special place in Nollywood.
“It made me feel welcomed and emotional,” she recalled, describing the support as one of the most touching moments of her comeback.
A project that became a family affair
The sequel also brought together another important part of Wright’s life: her family.
Although her children were never particularly interested in the entertainment industry while growing up, one of them eventually found his own creative path.
Her son, who had initially studied Biochemistry with plans of becoming a medical doctor, later pursued music and eventually contributed to the soundtrack of The Return of Omotara Johnson.
Beyond the music, he also featured in the movie, playing the role of Femi Blinks, making the project a true family collaboration.
When motherhood came first
For years, many fans wondered why Bukky Wright seemingly disappeared from Nollywood. Her answer was simple. “Mama duty called.”
The actress explained that relocating abroad was a decision driven entirely by motherhood.
According to her, leaving her young sons without the daily care and guidance of their mother was never an option. She chose to pause her flourishing acting career because she believed raising her children was her greatest responsibility.
Looking back, Wright says she has no regrets. If given another opportunity to make the same decision, she insists she would choose her children all over again.
Mother-in-law with a difference
Away from movie sets, Wright also spoke fondly about family life, particularly her relationship with her daughter in law.
She said she had always prayed never to become the type of mother-in-law who makes life difficult for her son’s wife.
Describing her daughter-in-law, Sarah, as a wonderful person, Wright expressed gratitude that her son had found a loving partner and admitted that she now enjoys the peace of mind that comes with knowing he is in good hands.
The beauty secret isn’t expensive
After decades in the entertainment industry, Bukky Wright continues to attract admiration for her youthful appearance. Asked about the secret behind her looks, the actress smiled and gave a surprisingly simple answer. She credits God’s grace but insists that one thing she never compromises on is rest.
According to her, “beauty sleep” is non negotiable, and everyone around her understands that when she is resting, she should not be disturbed.
For Wright, inner peace and proper rest are just as important as any beauty routine.
No room for regrets
Life, she believes, is too short to dwell on yesterday. Rather than crying over mistakes, Wright says she prefers to learn from every experience before moving forward.
She described herself as someone who analyses situations, accepts the lessons they bring and focuses on the future instead of living with regret.
Creating happiness despite life’s challenges
Offering advice to women facing difficult seasons, the actress encouraged them to become intentional about their own happiness.
She believes life is a race where everyone has a different journey, warning against spending too much time comparing oneself with others.
Instead, she urged women to remain focused, embrace resilience and continue moving forward regardless of life’s obstacles.
Why the sequel speaks English
Unlike the original Omotara Johnson, which was rooted in the Yoruba language, the sequel was produced in English. Wright explained that the decision was intentional. She wanted audiences across Nigeria and beyond to enjoy the story without language becoming a barrier.
She recalled being inspired by a screenwriter from the South East who loved the original movie’s action but admitted that following the subtitles had been difficult. Making the sequel in English, she said, was her way of opening the story to a wider audience.
‘I’m here to stay’
For fans wondering whether this marks another brief appearance before another disappearance, Wright had a reassuring message.
“This is not just the return of Omotara Johnson; it is also the return of Bukky Wright,” she said.
After dedicating years to raising her family, the veteran actress believes the time is right to embrace a new chapter in her career, and this time, she has no plans of stepping away again.
