Nollywood actress Ayobami Ojo has opened up about the discrimination she says she faces because of her profession, stating that she is “tired of being called an actress."
In an emotional video, Ojo alleged that the stigma surrounding actresses has cost her
major life opportunities, from property to relationships.
“I Lost Land and a Business Space Because I’m an Actress”
Ojo recounted how the label has affected her personally and financially.
The last time I tried to buy landed property in Lagos, I didn’t get the land because the owner’s wife said, ‘Oh, I don’t want my husband to sell this land to an actress,’” she said.
She added that she also struggled to rent a space for her business. “Another place I was interested in, the owner was told, ‘This woman doesn’t even live here. She is in the UK and she’s an actress.’ The moment he heard I was an actress, he said, ‘No, I’m not renting my house to an actress.’”
“It’s Affecting My Relationships Too”
According to Ojo, the stereotype has also followed her into her personal life.
“Now, I’m seeing someone and I’m so in love with that person. Then a family member or friend will go and tell that person, ‘Oh no, you cannot marry an actress. They do too much.’”
She called out what she described as a lack of support from other women. “And it’s somebody following me. I would post something and this person would comment, ‘Lost choke’ under my post. This person is my fellow woman.”
“If you want something good for me and you see a good man trying to ask me out, you would say, ‘Yes, they said actresses are not good, but I’ve not seen anything bad about this one.’”
“What Have We Done to You People?”
Ojo questioned the double standard she feels exists for actresses.
“What did we do to you people? The only problem these people have with me is because they say actresses are bad, so you automatically think we are bad.”
She noted that she has never been involved in any scandal. “Have you ever seen them drag my name? What did I do to you? Except if there is no God.”
The actress said she has considered leaving the industry entirely. “The last film I made, if possible, I will sell it or give it to charity. I am tired. I am not an actress.”
“I Work Hard for My Money”
Ojo pushed back against assumptions about her lifestyle and finances.
“I work so hard for my money. Sometimes I’m in the UK working 12 or 14 hours to put money together. If you see me flying business class, I have been saving that money one way or another.”
“I am just a girl who loves to enjoy life. I suffered while growing up, and now I want to spend my money and enjoy it, unless I have one godfather somewhere.”
She concluded with frustration over how quickly public opinion can turn. “One minute you show us love, and the next second, if we make one mistake, you turn your backs on us, bully us, and start saying negative things about us.”
“If another woman chooses to be a second wife, it won’t be a problem. But if an actress chooses to be a second wife, then there is a problem.”
Share your opinion in the comments
.jpeg)
_2.jpeg)
0 Comments