Veteran Nollywood actress Ayo Adesanya has revealed harrowing details of her ten-year marriage marked by persistent domestic violence and emotional trauma. In a candid interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Adesanya courageously shared how the abuse drove her to alcoholism and the societal pressures that kept her trapped in the relationship.
“Anywhere my ex-husband saw me, he would beat me. He beat me so much, I became an alcoholic. But I couldn’t leave because of the shame that people would say I couldn’t keep a man,” Adesanya confessed during the emotional interview.
The actress, known for her roles in numerous Yoruba and English-language Nigerian films, described a relationship that deteriorated into a cycle of violence and fear. According to Adesanya, her ex-husband, identified as Goriola Hassan, once threatened to pluck out her eyes with a knife, highlighting the extreme danger she faced within her own home.
Perhaps most heartbreaking was her revelation about how the abuse extended to impact her role as a mother. Adesanya disclosed that Hassan sent their son away to Ibadan when the child was just one year old, allegedly motivated by jealousy over the attention she gave to their baby. This separation from her infant son added another layer of trauma to her already tumultuous situation.
Friends and colleagues in the film industry reportedly recognized the danger Adesanya was in long before she could fully acknowledge it herself. She mentioned how fellow actress Bimbo Akintola and other industry colleagues expressed frustration and concern over her refusal to leave the abusive relationship.
For Adesanya, the decision to stay was complicated by deeply ingrained societal expectations and fears about public perception. The shame associated with failed marriages in Nigerian society created an invisible prison that kept her bound to her abuser for a decade, despite the escalating violence.
Mental health experts note that such concerns are common among victims of domestic abuse across cultures. The fear of public judgment, combined with financial dependencies, emotional manipulation, and genuine fear for one’s safety often creates complex barriers to leaving abusive relationships.
When Adesanya finally found the courage to break free from the marriage, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her life and career while dealing with the psychological aftermath of prolonged abuse. The actress also briefly touched on a subsequent relationship that didn’t work out, though she didn’t elaborate on the specific circumstances.
Her return to Nollywood represented not just a professional comeback but a personal triumph—reclaiming her identity beyond that of a victim. Throughout her career, which spans over two decades, Adesanya has appeared in hundreds of films and established herself as one of the industry’s most versatile talents.
The actress’s disclosure comes at a time when conversations about domestic violence are gaining traction in Nigeria and across Africa. According to the UN Women’s Global Database on Violence against Women, approximately 30% of Nigerian women have experienced physical violence since age 15, with intimate partners being the perpetrators in many cases.
Women’s rights advocates have praised Adesanya’s bravery in speaking out, noting that public figures sharing such experiences helps destigmatize the issue and encourages other victims to seek help. However, they also emphasize that systemic changes are needed to provide better support systems and legal protections for abuse survivors.
For Adesanya, the journey from victim to survivor has been long and difficult. Now divorced from Hassan and focused on her career and raising her son, she represents resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges.
Her willingness to share her story publicly serves multiple purposes: it’s part of her own healing process, a cautionary tale for others who might be in similar situations, and a challenge to the societal norms that often silence victims of domestic abuse.
While Adesanya didn’t provide specific details about her recovery from alcoholism, addiction specialists note that substance abuse is a common coping mechanism among domestic violence survivors. The path to sobriety typically requires professional support and addressing the underlying trauma that led to the dependency.
The entertainment industry in Nigeria has seen several high-profile cases of domestic abuse in recent years, sparking important conversations about gender-based violence. Adesanya’s testimony adds a powerful voice to this discourse, highlighting how even successful, public figures can find themselves trapped in cycles of abuse.
As Nollywood continues to gain international recognition and influence, the personal stories of its stars like Adesanya shine a light on social issues that transcend entertainment. Her journey from silence to speaking out mirrors the evolution happening in many African societies, where traditional notions about keeping family matters private are being challenged by the urgent need to address domestic violence.
For fans of the actress, her revelations provide context to her career trajectory and absences from the screen. For women in similar situations, her story offers both solidarity and hope—a reminder that escape is possible and that life after abuse can include healing and renewal.
Adesanya’s courage in sharing her experience serves as a reminder that behind the glamour of celebrity often lie struggles that connect stars to their audiences through shared human experiences. As she continues her career in Nollywood, her legacy now includes not just her artistic contributions but her voice in the movement against domestic violence.
