Key Points
- Domestic abuse and stigma derailed her once-promising career.
- Olajumoke endured violence while providing for her children.
- Her ex-husband tarnished her reputation after their separation.
Nigerian model Olajumoke Orisaguna, famously known as “Olajumoke Onibread,” has opened up about her harrowing experience with domestic abuse, which she says derailed her once-promising career.
Olajumoke rose to fame in 2016 when she inadvertently walked into a photoshoot with British rapper Tinie Tempah, captured by Nigerian photographer TY Bello. Her unexpected rise to stardom captivated Nigerians, but her disappearance from the public eye left fans speculating.
In a recent interview on City FM, the former model shared details about her turbulent relationship with her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna. According to Olajumoke, her ordeal began during their time in Ire, Osun State, where she faced what she described as a “hostile” living situation.
She alleged that her mother-in-law mistreated her and that her husband subjected her to physical abuse. Despite these challenges, Olajumoke relocated to Lagos, taking up bread hawking to support her family. It was during this period she had her life-changing encounter with TY Bello.
However, the abuse did not end after her rise to fame. Sunday eventually moved to Lagos and, according to Olajumoke, continued his violent behavior even as her modeling career took off.
Societal pressure and stigma
According to a report by Vanguard, Olajumoke admitted that the stigma surrounding separation, especially as a mother of two, kept her silent for years.
“What I am saying now, I have never said before,” she revealed. “Even when I met TY Bello, I told her I had a husband. My friend was furious when she found out, asking why I would claim someone who beats me is my husband. I explained I had to say it because of my children.”
She described how the abuse persisted in the Surulere apartment rented for her by supporters. “Sometimes, after going out to drink, he would return home, and if there was even a minor misunderstanding, he would start beating me again.”
Impact on her career
Olajumoke alleged that her career began to decline after her separation from Sunday. She claimed he tarnished her reputation and spread falsehoods about those who had helped her.
“It got so bad he even started insulting my parents,” she said. “When I separated from him, everything started going downhill. He began saying bad things about those who supported me, and since then, things have not been the same.”
Reflecting on her struggles, Olajumoke also shared how societal expectations and financial pressures made it difficult to leave the abusive relationship sooner. She recounted being the sole provider for her family, enduring abuse while hustling to ensure her children did not suffer.
Despite the setbacks, Olajumoke’s story highlights her resilience in the face of adversity. Her candid revelations shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse.
