Omotola Jalade Shows Off Her Big Aunty Vibes in Ade Bakare’s Gown at the 2026 PAFF

On February 16, 2026, at the 34th Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde made a notable impression with an ensemble that reflected timeless elegance and confidence.

Wearing a gown by designer Ade Bakare, Omotola embodied a blend of grace, authority, and sophistication that has characterized her career.

At the event, where she premiered her directorial debut, Mother’s Love, Omotola celebrated African narratives and reinforced her influence in fashion. Her appearance, widely shared on social media, generated discussion about Nollywood fashion and her evolving style.

The Pan African Film Festival, now in its 34th year, is a key event for Black and African filmmakers, presenting stories with global resonance. Held at venues such as the Directors Guild of America, PAFF 2026 celebrated culture, with Omotola’s presence highlighting Nollywood’s influence. Her bespoke Ade Bakare Couture gown, known for its blend of African heritage and modern design, complemented her poised presence.

The gown featured flowing lines, subtle embellishments, and a color palette reflecting serenity and strength, echoing the themes of her film Mother’s Love. Her styling, including carefully selected accessories and a soft, wavy hairstyle, reinforced her mature and commanding presence.

On Instagram, where she has over 6 million followers, Omotola shared photos with the caption: “The Arrival   • Festival @paffnow Photography @sammyoguejiofor Videography @michael_ekeinde Videography Editor @iamcaptaine Styling/Designer @adebakare @adebakarecouture … Team Lead @francis.onelum | Q4 Entertainment #MothersLove #Paff2026 #Godisdoingit.”

The post, published on February 20, 2026, received significant engagement, with fans commending her presence and influence on international fashion standards. Earlier posts built anticipation for the festival, and her reflections on the “3 days of impact” at PAFF highlighted her appreciation for the experience. These captions promoted Mother’s Love, a film inspired by true events, and conveyed Omotola’s gratitude and faith, resonating with her audience.

For those interested in Omotola Jalade’s PAFF 2026 outfit, the Ade Bakare gown exemplifies red carpet fashion. Bakare’s designs, known for luxurious fabrics and cultural motifs, were well-suited for an event celebrating Pan-African excellence.

Omotola’s confident and stylish appearance aligns with her role in Mother’s Love, where she stars with Olumide Oworu and Lilian Afegbai. Distributed by Nile Entertainment, the film premiered in Lagos on March 1, with a nationwide release on March 6, 2026, after screenings in Dubai, Silicon Valley, and Toronto. Her ability to blend her on-screen persona with her personal style continues to make her a prominent figure in discussions about celebrity red carpet fashion.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde’s career spans over three decades and includes acting, producing, singing, and activism. Her work in film production demonstrates her versatility and significant impact on Nollywood.

Debuting in 1995 with Venom of Justice, she quickly rose to fame with her breakout role in Mortal Inheritance (1995), where she played an ill woman struggling with sickle cell anemia—a performance that earned her critical acclaim and her first Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Omotola starred in numerous sequels that became box-office hits, including Lost Kingdom 2, Kosorogun 2, and Blood Sister 2, solidifying her status as one of Nollywood’s highest-paid actresses.

Her filmography boasts over 300 movies, with standout titles like Ije: The Journey (2010), where she portrayed Anya Opara Michino, A Private Storm (2010) as Gina, Ties That Bind (2011) as Adobea Onyomena, Last Flight to Abuja (2012), and Alter Ego (2017), in which she played Ada Igwe, a lawyer fighting child abuse.

In addition to acting, Omotola has produced films such as Blood in the Lagoon (2014) and recently directed Mother’s Love (2026). Her achievements include being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013, serving as a UN Ambassador, and being an Academy Voting Member.cb6b9a These roles highlight her dedication to storytelling that addresses social issues, establishing her as a key figure in African cinema.

In recent years, Omotola Jalade has demonstrated a blend of sophistication and cultural pride in her fashion choices. At the 2025 Lisa Folawiyo Fashion Show, she wore an ensemble by Imade Duso, with makeup by Tunde Demu and hair by Hairbyposhclass, earning praise for her elegance. Earlier that year, at the Flutterwave x Delborough Lagos Gala Night, she was recognized for her classic Nollywood style.

At the African Creators Summit 3.0 in 2026, Omotola was recognized for her 31-year career, presenting a polished and contemporary look that reflected her roles as a philanthropist and model. In a reflective post at the end of 2025, she expressed gratitude for her team and collaborators. These moments highlight her evolution from early 2000s red carpet appearances to a modern icon of African fashion, often featuring designers like Ade Bakare.

Omotola’s appearance at PAFF 2026 reflects her multifaceted career. As Mother’s Love prepares for global release, her presence in the Ade Bakare gown serves as inspiration for aspiring actresses and fashion enthusiasts.

Photo: Instagram/realomosexy