Lilian Afegbai Shares Challenge Playing Idia, Speaks on Working with 'Oboz' in To Kill a Monkey
- Popular Netflix series To Kill a Monkey by Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has remained one of the most talked-about Nollywood productions released so far in 2025
- From the betrayal of Bucci Franklin ("Oboz") by William Benson ("Efe") to Lilian Afegbai's ("Idia") loyalty, Nigerians have continued to share their opinions about the crime thriller
- To Kill a Monkey star Lilian Afegbai spoke with Legit.ng's Olumide Alake about working with Bucci Franklin ("Oboz"), being on Kemi Adetiba's production, among other things.
To Kill a Monkey (TKAM), a Nigerian crime thriller television series written, produced, and directed by Kemi Adetiba, was released on the popular streaming platform Netflix on July 18, 2025.
Weeks after it premiered, To Kill a Monkey has become a topic of discussion among Nigerian movie lovers.
Source: Instagram
Legit.ng recalls reporting that a man ignited reactions online after he shared his opinion about one of the lead characters, Bucci Franklin ("Oboz"), naming another Nollywood actor who could have played it better.
To Kill a Monkey starred actors like William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Michael O. Ejoor, Chidi Mokeme, Teniola Aladese, Lilian Afegbai, and Sunshine Rosman.
Aside from William Benson ("Efemini Edewor") and Bucci Franklin ("Oboz"), another character on the series was 2014 Big Brother Africa contestant and actress Lilian Afegbai.
Lilian played the role of Idia, Oboz's wife, and was known for her loyalty to her husband even after his death.
Source: Instagram
Lilian Afegbai recently spoke with Legit.ng, opening up about her experience before and after To Kill a Monkey was released.
Lilian Afegbai Shares How She Felt Working with Kemi Adetiba
The actress disclosed that landing a role in Kemi Adetiba's production was a dream come true for her, even though it was a bit intimidating at first.
"It’s no doubt that Kemi Adetiba is a phenomenal filmmaker and director. She’s always found where stories are told so profoundly and intentionally. It was a surreal experience for me. Landing a role in a Kemi Adetiba production after years of hard work felt like a dream come true. Kemi is such a visionary, and being part of her Cinematic Universe was incredibly fulfilling.
"Honestly, yes, it was a bit intimidating at first! I was very nervous because I’ve heard how drilling and thorough she gets. But Kemi has this amazing way of making everyone feel comfortable and confident. It turned out to be a collaborative experience that I cherished deeply," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Reveals the Most Challenging Part of Playing Idia
According to the actress, she had to tap into the emotional depth to channel the nuances expected of her role.
"The most challenging part was definitely tapping into the emotional depth of Idia, discovering and channeling the nuances that come with Idia as a woman. Idia is a loyal woman who knows how to keep her husband grounded. She has so many layers, and portraying her struggles, triumphs, as well as her crude nature authentically, required me to dig deep and really connect with her. To put it quite simply, I had to become Idia," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Recalls Multiple Rehearsals with Bucci Franklin
Despite being friends with Bucci before TKAM, Lilian shared how she rehearsed with the actor multiple times to make their scene feel natural.
"I was so excited when I discovered that Bucci Franklin was my onscreen partner. We had an instant connection! Before we went on set, we rehearsed multiple times and did a lot of work on the script. While we were friends before TKAM, the on-set experience solidified our bond. We knew we wanted to come off very believable as a couple and were so glad with the reception of the public. It is what we wanted, and it’s so lovely to receive the flowers from the fans and supporters of To Kill A Monkey. Every scene felt natural because we truly understood each other," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Shares What She Loved About Idia
The former BBA star spoke about Idia's resilience and strength, including knowing when to set boundaries.
"I love Idia’s resilience and strength! And how she doesn’t take herself too seriously but knows when to set up clear boundaries. Idia is very comical, eccentric, and very fashionable in her own way. I loved her growth, and I felt honored to portray that," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Shares Why Pidgin is a Beautiful Language
Aside from her loyalty to Oboz, one of the highlights of Lilian's character was her flawless use of pidgin.
"I was surprised but thrilled by the reactions! Pidgin is such a beautiful language and helps convey authenticity in our stories. As a girl from Edo State who schooled in Benin, pidgin is part of the fabric of the cultural experience, and I have embraced it. It connects with many people, and I’m proud to showcase it," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Speaks on Her Transition After BBA
The actress was one of the contestants on Big Brother Africa in 2014, and she believes her transition over more than a decade has been a journey of growth.
"The transition has been a journey of growth and discovery! I've learned a lot about myself as an artist and as a person, and I’m grateful for every step that has led me here," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Says Tyler Perry Inspires Her
The Nollywood actress disclosed that she is inspired by Tyler Perry as she shared plans to own a global studio like the Hollywood filmmaker and actor.
"I look up to Tyler Perry immensely. His ability to tell compelling stories and uplift voices that often go unheard is inspiring. He’s a true force in the industry and even beyond, and like him, I intend to own one of the biggest studios globally starting from Nigeria," she said.
Lilian Afegbai Speaks on TKAM's Effect on Her Brand
According to the Nollywood actress, taking on such a demanding role in TKAM has elevated her significantly.
"It shows my versatility as an actress and my commitment to tackling complex characters, which I believe resonates with my audience. People initially thought I was an upcoming actress, but I have been at this art for over a decade, and I appreciate the new supporters, new believers, etc. Everyone is welcome," she said.
Lilian Afegbai also told her fans to look forward to more dynamic roles and projects that challenge the norm.
TKAM: Kemi Adetiba releases music video
Legit.ng previously reported that Kemi Adetiba caused a buzz online with the release of the official video for “Save Me”, the lead single from the To Kill A Monkey, official soundtrack album.
Adetiba released the official video to the emotional song by Nigerian music legend 2Baba.
"This song is literally the most personal, emotional and soul touching I have heard in a long while," fan said.
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Source: Legit.ng
