Esther Oluwaranti Adebayo, a well-known Nollywood actress best known by her stage name Ajirotutu, has shared a startling experience from her early career…..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The actress said in a recent interview that she was approached by two ladies who threatened to ruin her movie career if she didn’t join a covert cult.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, a video was uploaded to Feel Right News TV’s official YouTube page, revealing the information. Ajirotutu described in the interview how she nearly left Nollywood due to professional and spiritual intimidation. “I swear to God, two witches told me that I had to either stop making films or become a witch,” she stated. When I enquired if I could produce my own films, they told that I could, but that I would have to let them know in advance if I wanted to work for someone else. My only option was to flee my current location, so I moved to the Ivory Coast.
The actress claims that the women portrayed themselves as belonging to a strong cult group in the business and gave her a choice: adopt their methods or stop making films. She claimed that she was shaken by the shocking experience and that she had to act quickly to save her life and career. Ajirotutu clarified that one of the unspoken difficulties that many up-and-coming actors and producers encounter in Nollywood is the urge to join such groups.
“A number of aspiring filmmakers who lacked the protection or connections to resist have been discouraged by cult-like influences, unhealthy competition, and spiritual manipulation,” she said. She claimed that her choice to escape to Ivory Coast was a survival tactic. She avoided what she called the “dark forces” in the Nigerian film business during her exile and concentrated on regaining her love for cinema. Social media has seen a wide range of responses to the actress’s revelation. Her comments shocked many of her admirers, while others praised her bravery for defying the purported cult pressure. Others, however, questioned the veracity of her account, pointing out that Nollywood, like many other entertainment sectors, frequently deals with accusations of spiritual manipulation and occultism.
Whether literal or figurative, industry watchers contend that Ajirotutu’s story illuminates the destructive power dynamics and predatory behaviours that occasionally flourish in the entertainment industry. They make the point that young artists are particularly at risk when they don’t have mentors or strong support networks to help them navigate the difficulties of the industry.
Notwithstanding the terrifying experience, Ajirotutu has persisted in advancing her profession, establishing a name for herself in Nollywood and winning praise for her fortitude. She maintains that her experience demonstrates that one can prosper without sacrificing their morals. The actor reflected on her experience and claimed that her escape and perseverance gave her a newfound focus on crafting stories that are grounded in cultural values and reality rather than superstition or fear. She stated, “I just wanted to make films that people would enjoy and learn from.” She went on, “And I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me, no matter what.”…..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
