Why I Left Being Commissioner and Returned to Acting - RMD

For over four decades, Richard Mofe-Damijo — affectionately known as RMD — has remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. With a career that spans journalism, acting, filmmaking, and even public service, the icon recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Silverbird Group, marking yet another milestone in his extraordinary journey.

In a candid interview with The Sun, RMD opened up about his legacy, longevity, and why he returned to acting after being commissioner.

Speaking about asked how he felt to receive Lifetime Achievement Award, RMD said:

RMD: Res ipsa loquitur, which is to say, the fact speaks for itself. Post-youth service, this is 41 years of my being in the entertainment industry and I think, at this point, my work speaks for itself. My budding works are there, from stage to film, journalism, law, and I think all these stand me out. I guess this is what people see that makes them give me Lifetime Achievement award.

This is the third award I have gotten from a reputable organisation. Last year, the AMVCA also gave me the Lifetime Achievement Award and, some years ago, 2004, I got Africa Movie Academy Award. I think my work speaks for itself.

In an era where new talent seems to flood the industry daily, RMD isn’t fazed. Instead, he sees room for everyone — and emphasizes that what sets veterans apart is the work ethic. He said:

RMD: Established veterans, like you call them or you call us, we put in the work, and when you put in the work age is never really a factor. You just evolve from being a younger actor to an older actor, and the work that stops really is you should bring in your best to cast in a role.

That is how we stay relevant, that is how we stay competitive in this part of whatever. There’s no profession in this world that new people don’t come up every day, but it doesn’t stop the older ones from doing the work. The coming in of new people or the influx of younger talents does not in any way compromise the older talent. It’s a big pool that encourages everyone to flow together.”**

Of course, no conversation about Nollywood would be complete without touching on piracy — a long-standing issue that has crippled many creators. RMD is optimistic, noting how technology has shifted the landscape. He said:

RMD: I think technology has softened this piracy issue. It’s still there, but not as it used to be, which is a lot more feasible in terms of the replacement of CDs and lots of things like that. Piracy is now at the cyber level, but now you are able to protect your work. I think that has reduced piracy, to a large extent.

RMD’s style has always been as bold and elegant as his performances, and his choice of regal attire at the awards ceremony was no accident. Speaking about his style, he said:

RMD: I’m a proud Urhobo man and I wore Urhobo attire to the event. My sense of style is very Nigerian. I love all cultures in Nigeria. Anytime I have events, you see me in agbada, you will see me in wrapper, and you will see me in suit from time to time, it depends on the occasion.

For the award night, it was just appropriate that I went like a king that I am (smiles) and Urhobo traditional attire really brings that out. What I wore was made by Mudi. Even the shoes I wore were made by a Nigerian brand called 313 Eko

Speaking about why he returned to acting after his tenure as a commissioner in Delta State, RMD said:

RMD: Why I keep embracing the entertainment industry after being a commissioner? It’s because it is my life. It is my calling. When you find a job that you really like to do, you never really have to work in your life.

As an actor, being a filmmaker, being on the stage, going on stage is not work for me, it’s just something I love to do and I don’t even have to be paid to get on there. When your pay is nice, it is something I really love to do and that’s why I keep going back there.

Did I see it coming? Yes, of course, I did. I was very intentional. When I left service in Asaba, I was very intentional about where I was coming back to. Acting is my first love.

After 41 years in the spotlight, Richard Mofe-Damijo remains a class act — a man who wears his craft like his native attire: with pride, elegance, and a deep sense of purpose.

What do you think about all RMD had to say? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment either below or on my Jide Okonjo Facebook post.

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