Veteran Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara has courageously shared her traumatic experience of sexual assault, subsequent pregnancy, and the devastating loss of her newborn child.
During an emotionally charged episode of the Wasila Coded podcast, hosted by fellow actress Bimpe Akintunde, Aunty Ajara opened up about one of the darkest chapters of her life, breaking years of silence surrounding the incident that changed her life forever.
The veteran actress revealed that her assailant was someone who had gained her trust through family connections – a friend of her sister’s husband. The man took advantage of the familiar relationship that had developed due to Ajara’s frequent visits to her sister’s home, where she often spent time with family.
In the candid conversation with Akintunde, the discussion took an intense turn when the host inquired about Ajara’s experience of womanhood. This prompted the actress to share her painful story, emphasizing that she had no marital connection to the man who ultimately became her assailant.
The actress disclosed that the pregnancy resulting from the assault went undetected for nearly half a year. I only discovered I was expecting when I was already five to six months along,” she shared during the interview. It was during a medical check-up that she learned she was carrying a boy, news that brought mixed emotions given the circumstances of the conception.
The tragedy deepened when, after carrying the pregnancy to term and giving birth to a son, Ajara faced another devastating blow – the infant passed away just three days after birth. The loss of her child, coupled with the trauma of the assault, left an indelible mark on the actress’s life.
When confronted by Ajara’s family, the perpetrator reportedly acknowledged his actions. However, in a disturbing turn of events, his family refused to acknowledge any responsibility or offer support to the actress during her ordeal. This rejection added another layer of pain to an already traumatic experience.
The actress’s decision to share her story has sparked important conversations about sexual assault, trauma, and the challenges faced by survivors in Nigerian society. Her revelation sheds light on the complex dynamics of familial relationships and trust, as well as the devastating impact when that trust is betrayed.
Mental health experts and women’s rights advocates have praised Aunty Ajara’s courage in coming forward with her story, noting that such public disclosures can help other survivors feel less alone and potentially encourage them to seek help or share their own experiences.
The Wasila Coded podcast, known for its frank discussions of personal experiences in the entertainment industry, provided a platform for this important conversation. Host Bimpe Akintunde’s sensitive handling of the discussion allowed Aunty Ajara to share her story in a way that resonated with listeners while highlighting the importance of supporting survivors of sexual assault.
This revelation comes at a time when Nigeria’s entertainment industry is increasingly addressing previously taboo subjects, including sexual assault and its aftermath. Aunty Ajara’s story contributes to this ongoing dialogue and underscores the need for better support systems for survivors of sexual violence.
As the news of Aunty Ajara’s experience continues to reverberate through social media and entertainment circles, many have expressed support for the actress and called for greater awareness of sexual assault issues in Nigeria. Her courage in sharing this deeply personal story has not only highlighted her own resilience but also opened up important discussions about trauma, healing, and the journey to recovery.
The actress’s decision to speak out years after the incident serves as a powerful reminder that there is no timeline for processing trauma and that sharing one’s story can be an important part of the healing journey, both for the individual and for society as a whole.
