Eniola Ajao, the Nollywood actress, has shared a heart-wrenching experience of how fake news nearly destroyed her life.
In a recent interview on the ‘Nollywood on Radio’ podcast, the filmmaker revealed that she almost poisoned herself after a false rumour spread about her.
Ajao, who didn’t disclose the specifics of the rumour, said the claims led her to intentionally starve herself for seven days, unable to leave her home.
Ajao said her son and other family members intervened and encouraged her to defend herself.
“I almost poisoned myself because of news about me on social media that was far from true. It was the first time in my life that I had been faced with something so painful that I could not eat for seven days. I did not go anywhere. People around me can testify to it,” she said.
“My sisters were calling, telling me, ‘You have to do this for yourself. You do not have to poison yourself.’ My son was reaching out to everyone that I was struggling with the online lies.”
Ajao ventured into acting in 2004 in the Yoruba film ‘Igba Aimo’. She gained prominence while working with the Odunlade Adekola film productions.
In March, Ajao sparked controversy during the premiere of her film ‘Ajakaju’ — after Bobrisky, the crossdresser, was crowned “best-dressed female”.
The incident sparked outrage, leading Ajao to apologise and clarify that Bobrisky’s award was a publicity stunt. She later announced new winners for the category.