Popular model and former bread seller, Olajumoke Orisaguna, famously known as Olajumoke Onibread, has come forward with serious allegations against her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna, accusing him of physical abuse during their marriage.
This announcement marks a critical moment in her life as she recounts her harrowing experiences of domestic violence, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles faced by many.
During a candid interview with City FM, Olajumoke opened up about the toll that her marriage took not only on her well-being but also on her burgeoning career.
She recalled the trials and tribulations she endured while residing in her husband’s family home located in Iree, Osun State.
This environment, she explained, was far from conducive to a peaceful domestic life, and the tension within the household was palpable.
Living in a household dominated by her mother-in-law’s hostility, Olajumoke found herself in a situation that felt increasingly suffocating.
“There is no way you stay in such a place that you would not encounter problems,” she expressed, highlighting the fraught dynamics that pervaded her life at the time.
She often found herself closing her hairdressing shop early each day, hurriedly preparing dinner in a bid to appease her mother-in-law, who wielded significant influence over her husband’s actions and decisions.
As Olajumoke described, “It was whatever she told her son that he listened to. He would not hear my own side of the story before beating me.”
This troubling pattern of violence revealed itself in moments of conflict, particularly when misunderstandings arose between her and her mother-in-law.
Regrettably, Sunday would resort to severe physical violence, leaving Olajumoke with battered faces and bruised bodies, and in some instances, resorting to beating her with a belt.
With her dignity at stake, Olajumoke kept her suffering largely concealed, terrified of burdening her mother, who lived nearby.
“I didn’t want my mother to hear,” she shared, noting, “Whenever I reported incidents to her, she would say she didn’t give me out in marriage to anyone.”
Olajumoke further revealed that even her aunt had been sceptical about her marriage to Sunday, cautioning her against the arrangement based on her own experiences living in Iree.
Unfortunately, when the pregnancy issue arose, it left her with little choice, as societal pressures and familial expectations began to loom over her.
Feeling trapped in an oppressive environment, she noted, “Only those who lived with us knew about the beating. I didn’t tell anyone.”
The gravity of her situation escalated in January 2016, when an argument erupted while frying akara in remembrance of her father-in-law.
An altercation with Sunday’s elder sister spiralled into yet another episode of violence, prompting Olajumoke to make a life-altering decision she would leave her husband and relocate to Lagos to reclaim her life.
As she packed her belongings with her two children in tow, Olajumoke felt a glimmer of hope.
“I decided that I was going to leave, move to Lagos, and start working at the bakery because I had been there before,” she recounted, reflecting on her past experiences and the strength she had built over the years.
Upon arriving in Lagos, she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders as she confided in a close friend who celebrated her newfound freedom, recognizing the oppressive toll that her marriage had taken on her spirit.
“I was enduring all of it,” Olajumoke recalled, detailing her relentless hustle to provide for her family while Sunday remained unemployed.
Unfortunately, after their separation, things took a turn for the worse. The aftermath of their split witnessed Sunday tarnishing her reputation, further complicating her journey as she attempted to navigate her career in the aftermath of personal upheaval.
“Everything started going down the drain after separation because he started spoiling my name,” she lamented.
New Daily Prime takes a reflective glance back at Olajumoke’s rise to fame, which catapulted her into the public eye in 2016 when she inadvertently walked into a photoshoot with British rapper Tinie Tempah, her image captured by renowned photographer TY Bello.
This serendipitous moment helped transform her life, turning her into a sought-after model and symbol of resilience.
Today, Olajumoke Orisaguna stands as a beacon of hope for many, as she fearlessly recounts her story in the hope of inspiring others to break free from the shackles of abuse.
Her journey amplifies the message that truth has the power to liberate, with each revelation reshaping the narrative, not just for herself, but for countless others finding their voice in the struggle against domestic violence.
Her willingness to share such intimate and painful details of her past serves as a reminder of the myriad challenges that many individuals face in silence, often feeling trapped by societal norms or personal fears.
Olajumoke’s story does not just highlight her turmoil; it reflects a broader societal issue one that demands attention and action.
The stigma surrounding domestic violence often pushes victims into isolation, where they feel compelled to suffer in silence rather than seek help.
By coming forward, Olajumoke is breaking that cycle, encouraging others to find their strength and speak out against abuse.
In recent years, discussions surrounding domestic violence have gained prominence, with increasing numbers of awareness campaigns and support systems being established to help victims.
Olajumoke’s experience underscores the importance of these initiatives. She has called upon society to create more accessible resources for individuals facing similar predicaments, emphasizing the need for education and open dialogue about domestic abuse.
“People need to understand that it’s okay to speak up; there are people who care and are willing to help,” she asserted during her interview, radiating a sense of urgency.
Moreover, the model’s narrative challenges the stereotypes often associated with domestic abuse victims.
Many people assume that victims come from particular backgrounds or socioeconomic statuses.
However, Olajumoke’s situation illustrates that anyone can find themselves entangled in such dire circumstances.
This reality stresses the importance of empathy and understanding when addressing the complexities surrounding domestic violence.
As she bravely recounted her journey, Olajumoke made it clear that her path had not been easy. While achieving success in her modelling career, she has faced numerous hurdles, and her ex-husband’s attempts to tarnish her reputation have posed significant challenges.
“I had to work twice as hard to prove myself,” Olajumoke stated. Her resilience has been instrumental in overcoming adversity and reclaiming her voice in the public sphere.
The power of resilience is also evident in the way Olajumoke has channelled her experiences into positive action.
Following her departure from her tumultuous marriage, she has committed herself to empowering other women who may be facing similar struggles.
She actively engages in community outreach, participating in discussions and advocacy programs aimed at raising awareness about domestic abuse and promoting mental health support.
Olajumoke’s story is both an inspiration and a critical call to action for society at large. Her journey reminds us that abuse can occur in any setting, affecting individuals regardless of their status or circumstances.
By sharing her experiences, Olajumoke is fostering a sense of solidarity among those who feel alone in their battles.
She encourages them to stand tall and assert their right to live free from fear and violence. The ripple effect of her testimony extends beyond her narrative, amplifying a collective movement toward awareness and change.
As conversations around domestic violence gain momentum, it becomes increasingly vital for society to foster environments where victims feel safe, supported, and empowered to come forward.
Lastly, as this story unfolds, the importance of continued support for survivors of domestic violence cannot be overstated.
Institutions, community leaders, and individuals must work in tandem to dismantle the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
Resources such as counselling services, legal assistance, and shelters must be readily available and promoted, ensuring that survivors receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
However, Olajumoke Orisaguna’s revelation about her past experiences is more than just a personal account of abuse; it is a call to raise awareness, inspire change, and cultivate a society that actively stands against domestic violence.
Her story exemplifies the courage it takes to confront one’s past and emerge stronger on the other side.
By using her platform to illuminate these issues, Olajumoke not only reclaims her narrative but also inspires countless others to do the same.
As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, her journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be defined by their circumstances but rather embrace their strength to overcome and thrive.
Reported by: Ifedamola Fayomi
