Nollywood actress Ayobami Ojo has laid bare the emotional and financial toll of being associated with the Nigerian film industry, revealing that the label “actress” has severely damaged her personal life and business prospects.
In a deeply emotional video that has quickly gone viral on social media, Ojo tearfully expressed her exhaustion with the negative stereotypes routinely cast upon women in Nollywood. The actress went as far as declaring that she no longer wishes to be identified by her profession due to the constant discrimination she faces.
Denied Properties and Business Spaces
During her passionate address, Ojo shared several frustrating encounters where her career choice directly impeded her progress. She recalled a major setback in Lagos, where she was on the verge of purchasing a prime piece of land. According to the actress, the transaction was abruptly halted after the seller’s wife strongly objected to dealing with a Nollywood actress.
Unfortunately, the bias did not stop there. Ojo also revealed that she was rejected by a landlord when attempting to rent a commercial space for her business, solely because the owner discovered she worked in the entertainment industry.
The Cost of Love: Ruined Relationships
The societal prejudice has also bled into Ojo’s personal life, particularly her romantic relationships. She claimed that a promising relationship was cut short after the man’s family and friends intervened, advising him against marrying her simply because of her acting career.
“What exactly did we do to you people?” she asked, visibly shaken and crying. Ojo pointed out the unfairness of the treatment, emphasizing that she has maintained a clean reputation throughout her career, completely free of scandals or controversial behavior.
“I Am Just a Girl Who Loves to Enjoy Life”
Ojo strongly criticized the public’s tendency to generalize and judge female entertainers based on outdated assumptions rather than individual character. She opened up about her work ethic, explaining how she has labored tirelessly, including taking up long working hours in the United Kingdom to build her life and financial independence.
“I am just a girl who loves to enjoy life. I have suffered growing up and I want to spend my money and enjoy my money,” she asserted, defending her right to reap the fruits of her hard work without judgment.
Concluding her emotional plea, Ojo urged the public to rethink how they treat actresses. She noted the irony of how fans are quick to celebrate entertainers but even quicker to criticize and condemn them. She called for an end to the systemic bullying, reminding everyone that many women in the industry are simply hardworking professionals utilizing their creative talents to make an honest living.