Popular Nigerian actress and media personality Omotunde Adebowale-David, widely known as Lolo 1 or Adaku from Jenifa’s Diary, has made a harrowing revelation about being raped by a male colleague in the broadcasting industry.
The emotional disclosure came during the latest episode of her podcast Say My Piece, posted on YouTube on Friday. In a candid and heartfelt conversation, Lolo 1 opened up about the long-standing trauma she has endured as a result of the assault, which she said occurred six years ago.
“I have been raped only once in my life, and I was raped by a colleague,” she said. “I see him every other day. Do you know how traumatized I am? When I see him, I just get into this momentary panic.”
The actress shared that despite the deep emotional scars, she has refrained from naming her alleged attacker, now a prominent figure in the media industry, due to fears of public backlash and questions about the timing of her revelation.
“But if a woman of my calibre named him… won’t people say, ‘How come I didn’t speak about it for all these six years until now that he’s taking a prominent TV position?’” she asked, reflecting the complex emotions survivors often grapple with.
Lolo 1 emphasized the internal struggles many women face after sexual assault, including denial and self-blame. She recalled a recent conversation with her daughter that stirred painful memories. “She held my hand and said, ‘Mummy, you’ve gone through so much.’ And I said I had.”
Her testimony highlights the persistent stigma and silence surrounding sexual violence, particularly within professional spaces. By speaking out, Lolo 1 joins a growing number of women using their platforms to shed light on the realities of abuse and the long road to healing.
