Veteran Yoruba actor Ebun Oloyede, popularly called Olaiya Igwe, has shared one of the deepest regrets of his life.

The actor said his regret was refusing to lend his car to gospel singer Tope Alabi and her husband for their wedding.

Naijaonpoint reports that he narrated the incident during Tope Alabi’s 55th birthday celebration, recalling how he had just bought a Mercedes-Benz V-Boot, proudly labeled “Ololade Mr Money 1” after the success of his film.

At the time, Tope had informed him of her wedding plans and requested to use the car.

Olaiya initially agreed but later changed his mind.

He explained that his fear came from a recent experience in Ibadan, where the same car was stolen while he was promoting his movie.

Although the vehicle was later recovered, the incident left him anxious and overprotective.

When Tope called the day before the wedding, he avoided her calls and refused to release the car.

Olaiya said he has since asked for forgiveness, but the guilt still haunts him.

He said how life has since turned around, with Tope now owning multiple luxury cars while he struggles to buy one for himself.

According to him, his decision was driven by fear, not malice, and he advised younger actors to think deeply before making choices that might leave lasting regrets.

He said: “She informed me about her wedding, and I had just bought a car… But after she left, I had a second thought: what if armed robbers snatched the car from them?

“When I returned from Ibadan, Tope Alabi came to my house in Abeokuta and said: ‘Big brother please we want to use your car for our wedding.’ And I said no problem.

“A day before the wedding, I stopped picking up Tope’s calls. I didn’t give her the car. I disappointed Tope Alabi.

“My anxiety stemmed from my recent theft experience in Ibadan.

“It was not out of malice, but fear of losing what I had just acquired and failing someone I considered a younger sister.”

Meanwhile, at her 55th birthday celebration, Tope Alabi received a Lexus SUV from her husband, Soji Alabi, marking another milestone in her journey.