Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
He is popular as Ben O Ben. An influential operator in the make belief industry. In this brief chat, the man of many parts divulged many of the things fans are dying to know about him. Read on….
Q: How would you describe the man people love to call Ben O Ben.
A: Actually, my name is Temitope Benedict Ayoola a.k.a Ben O. Ben. But the nickname seem to have taken over from the real names over time…laughs
Q: Okay, so can you give a brief about Temitope Benedict Ayoola before we go to Ben.
A: I am the last child and only son of the family of Hon. and Mrs Ayoola Adeleke. My birthday is 22nd of June and I was born in Kafanchan where I also spent my early years. I attended Unity Nursery and Primary school, I proceeded to Royal kids international for my secondary education and finally to the University of Abuja for my tertiary education where I studied Industrial Chemistry. I am also an alumnus of Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and I speak English, Yoruba and Hausa Languages.
Q: Now, lets talk about Ben. Who is he.
A: Ben is an actor, a movie producer, director, consultant and a Business Entrepreneur.
Q: How far has Ben gone as far as the movie world is concern
A: I have featured in over 200 Nigerian movies and have directed a lot of movies such as Lost(Yoruba), My dream(Yoruba) Asunle(coming soon) and Iyawo producer(also coming soon).
Q: But there is this gist about you being into other areas of entertainment beside what many know you for. Can you dwell more on that.
A: Yea, I will be most glad to do that, because Ben O Ben has really moved miles away from where he started and there are still more grounds to cover.
For instance, I also have a registered company where I train young and aspiring filmmakers and supply equipments for production, Ben O Ben multimedia and in 2018 I created Ben O Ben International Leadership Award (BOBLIA Award).
Q: That a big one. I want to guess these ideas may not be unconnected with your growing IP dreams, can you tell your lovers what growing up was like.
A: Like I said previously, my place of birth and position as the only son in the family, I was highly respected by my sisters which I never took for granted and growing up in a family that believed and practiced mutual respect I must say has been of a great help for me today.
I grew up in the Northern part of Nigeria, Kafanchan in Kaduna state to be precise.
Q: How did you come into the film industry
A: Late Century Films introduced me to Murphy Afolabi the founder of Fatuns films. I served there for some years and graduated successfully.
Q: How long have you been in the industry
A: I have been in the industry for 11 years now and still counting. I came into the Nollywood industry in the year 2009 and joined Murphy Afolabi acting troop in the year 2010.
Q: When was the first time you ever featured in any film
A: 2009
Q: Who are your role models, if you have any
A: My role models are Tyler Perry, Less Brown, Saidi Balogun and Funsho Adeolu.
Q: How would you rate the industry
A: I will rate the industry 60percent because we are not yet where we are meant to be but we are getting there.
Q:Have you done any production of your own, if yes what is the title and which year is that
A: Yes, I have produced Alabahun(Produced in 2013, released in 2016)and Last Night(2017). I also Co produced Kodoro(2018)and Woli Ben O Ben(2018).
Q: How were you able to penetrate the industry despite stories of ” rub my back i rub your back’ among the beginners and the established actors as it affects both sexes .
A: Whatever you desire in the industry you will get, for instance, if you want to be in the limelight you have to pay the price in the right way but if you want the fame overnight using cruel means you will surely get it rough, in fact, you must be ready to smell real pepper, because there is no short cut to real success.
Q: How many directors have you worked with and which of them did you like most
A: I have worked with over 20 directors in the industry both in English and Yoruba movies. They have all been wonderful and have individual strengths that I admire and take from.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next few years
A: I see myself at the top as one of the Best film makers in the world.
Q: Lastly, Are you married, how are you coping with your marriage?
A: I am happily married to my Lovely Wife Mrs Yetunde Susan Ayoola and we are blessed with a son Demilade Benedict Ayoola. Marriage, they say, is not easy but God has been our helper.
