Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has strongly criticised nightclubs and bars in Nigeria that refuse entry to women who are not accompanied by a male partner. The actress described the practice as “sickening.”
Etinosa’s call-out highlights a common policy at many entertainment venues where unaccompanied women are turned away at the door. She argued that such rules are discriminatory and unacceptable in modern society, especially given that women should be free to enjoy social spaces independently.
In a detailed statement, Etinosa urged feminists to take up the matter, stressing that she has always resisted the rule but cannot tackle it single-handedly.
“Dear feminists, If you are still awake, please, there’s one strong issue you are yet to help us tackle. It’s the fact that women are restricted from entering a club/lounge/hotel without the presence of “a man.” Meanwhile, men can go in and out of anywhere they please. I fight it anywhere I go but I can’t do it alone.”
She backed her story with personal stories.
“I remember 2014, when I was an engineer surviving a messy marriage. I went alone to clubs to spend my oil and gas money to drink and forget my difficult situation. I went alone. Yes I experienced this so 1 went to just one place that knew me to avoid nonsense and insult.”
The same issue followed her when she moved to Lagos to start her acting career.
“When I came to lagos to start my acting career, I remember going to some places alone to chill and facing the same issues.”
Etinosa questioned the rationale behind the restrictions and voiced her displeasure.
“This thing has gone on for so long and I wonder, why are men not facing it. Why do they think every girl who is not with a man is an OS. And if they are OS, isn’t it the same men who want them? Why don’t they discriminate against men who are alone. So men cannot be OS??? It’s sickening though.”
The actress’s comments have reignited broader conversations about gender policies across Lagos and other major cities.
Public reaction to Etinosa’s stance has been sharply divided. Some users defended the clubs’ approach, citing business and safety concerns. One commenter noted that many women enter venues without spending on drinks and can disrupt the atmosphere, turning premium spots into less desirable environments. Others suggested the policy exists to prevent certain scandals or maintain a specific clientele.
On the other side, supporters of Etinosa argued that the rule is outdated and reinforces the idea that women need male validation to access public spaces. Several women shared personal experiences of similar treatment at clubs and even when trying to rent apartments as single females. They insist that such restrictions limit women’s freedom and send a troubling message about their independence.