By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor, Oluwole Cole, widely known by his stage name Baraka, has disclaim widely rumors about his personal lifestyle, distancing himself from the rough characters he often portrays in films.
In a recent interview with Talk2Dunnis TV on YouTube, the veteran actor addressed widespread misconceptions about his off-screen character, stating that he neither smokes nor drinks alcohol, contrary to the assumptions made by many of his fans.
Baraka, known for his convincing performances as street thugs or rugged individuals, emphasized that his professional commitment as an actor enables him to fully embody these roles without adopting the lifestyle they depict.
“Looking at me like this, I’ve only heard of cannabis (Igbo); I’ve never seen it before, and I don’t know how to smoke or drink alcohol,” Baraka said during the interview.
“No! I don’t smoke cigarettes.”
He also took the opportunity to clarify speculation about his dark lips, a feature that some have wrongly attributed to substance use.
“My lips are naturally dark, it’s genetic,” he explained.
“Even my colleague, Afeez Eniola, has darker lips.”
The seasoned actor, whose career in the Yoruba movie industry spans several decades, said the assumptions about his personal life are largely fueled by the intense realism he brings to his roles.
He urged fans and critics alike to differentiate between fiction and reality, noting that acting is a craft that does not necessarily reflect an actor’s personal choices or values.
