Acclaimed Nollywood actor and filmmaker Deyemi Okanlawon has sparked a conversation on career progression by claiming that mediocrity is often more rewarded than strict professionalism in Nigeria.
TSpeaking during a recent appearance on the Dear Ife podcast, the actor described the contemporary Nigerian societal landscape as an environment where excellence is frequently sidelined in favor of less serious approaches. Okanlawon warned professionals that adhering too rigidly to international or highly intellectual standards can ironically hamper their success and stall their career trajectory within the country.
“In a country where mediocrity reigns, you can’t be too serious. I always joke that you can’t be too professional to succeed in Nigeria. Those who act the most unserious succeed the most. I have realised that you have to tone your intellect down a lot to succeed here.” Deyemi Okanlawon.
Toning down intellect to navigate the local market
Okanlawon’s critique sheds light on the creative and corporate frustrations faced by highly trained individuals navigating the Nigerian market. He argued that the traditional markers of career excellence such as deep intellectualism and strict formal structures frequently fail to resonate with the broader public or local gatekeepers.
Instead, he observed that individuals who lean into lightheartedness or cater to a lower common denominator often achieve rapid mainstream success. According to the filmmaker, strategic career survival in Nigeria requires a deliberate willingness to tone down one’s professional intensity to align with the country’s unique socioeconomic realities.
