As a passionate actress, TV host, content creator and convener of the Miss Ojuloge Nigeria beauty pageant, to her role as an advocate for women’s empowerment and equal rights, Olajumoke Ewatomi Ajadi’s story is one of resilience and determination.

Born into a family of six by Muslim parents and originally from Osun State, she grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State, where she had all her formal education. Growing up, she loved watching films and imagining herself in the characters’ shoes.

According to her, “I am someone who has always been drawn to storytelling. Acting became my way of expressing emotions I couldn’t always say out loud. I didn’t come from a privileged background, so I had to work my way up — auditioning, learning on the job, and facing a lot of rejection. But I never gave up.”

“What started as a passion slowly turned into a career, and Nollywood gave me the platform to bring real, raw stories to life. Every role I take on is personal to me, because I see it as a chance to connect, heal, and inspire,” she added.

Her foray into fashion and beauty is a very funny one. “My first beauty experience was a very funny one. I went for a modelling gig several years back, but due to my height, I wasn’t shortlisted. At that moment, I told myself that nothing would stop me from doing fashion and working in the beauty industry,” the sassy actress said.

Speaking on her beauty pageant initiative, ‘Miss Ojuloge Nigeria’, she said, “Miss Ojuloge Nigeria was a way to empower young women and give them a platform to shine beyond just physical beauty. It was about building confidence, encouraging self-expression, and helping them discover their voice.”

“Through the pageant, we provided training in public speaking, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Some of the winners have gone on to start their own businesses, work in media, or become advocates in their communities.

“For me, it wasn’t just about the crowns and sashes, it was about impact. Seeing those young women grow and step into their purpose has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey,” she added.

Recounting the challenges she faces as an actress in Nollywood, especially as she identifies as a lesbian, she averred that, “Nollywood has been a place of both passion and pain for me. It gave me a platform, but it also tested me in ways I never expected.

“One of the most difficult moments in my journey was being caught on set with my partner. We weren’t doing anything outrageous —just sharing a quiet, personal moment— but someone saw us, and within hours, the whispers began. People stared; some avoided me, and others stopped talking to me altogether.”

“It wasn’t just the judgment; it was the betrayal of silence, stigmatization, and bully that followed. The energy shifted completely; I was suddenly treated like I didn’t belong, like a nobody; like my presence was a threat.

“I was instantly replaced. A role I had worked so hard to earn was suddenly taken away from me —not because I wasn’t fit for the role but because I dared to love someone in a way they didn’t understand or accept,” Olajumoke added.

She continued, “That experience broke something in me for a while. I questioned everything —my worth, my identity, whether I even had a place in the industry. But with time, I found healing in my truth. I realised I could either shrink myself to make others comfortable or stand fully in who I am and let that power fuel my art.

“So yes, I’ve faced stereotypes; I’ve felt the sting of rejection —not for my work, but for my identity. But those moments didn’t destroy me. Instead, they shaped me and gave me a voice that I now use to tell stories that matter, stories that don’t shy away from truth. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

Further sharing her experiences with stereotypes, bullying, and self-discovery, and the lessons learned along the way, Olajumoke said, “One of the worst experiences I had was being removed from a movie role because I refused the director’s sexual advances. I was excited about the project and gave it my all, but the moment I said no, everything changed.”

“I was treated badly and eventually given fewer scenes instead of the lead character without a reason. It was painful, but it taught me to stand my ground and never compromise my values for a role. I’ve learned that real success comes when you stay true to yourself, no matter the cost.

“That experience shook me, but it also opened my eyes to what so many women in this industry go through. It made me stronger, more aware, and more determined to succeed on my own terms by producing my own movies. We deserve to work in an industry that values talent, not silence,” she declared.

Asked how she overcame the experience, Olajumoke said, “Overcoming that experience wasn’t easy. For a while, I carried a lot of hurt, anger, and self-doubt. Healing isn’t something that happens overnight, but I am healing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally gradually. I leaned on my close circle, focused on building my craft, and reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place.”

“I also made a decision: I wouldn’t let that moment define me. Instead, I have decided to turn my pain into purpose by leaving the country after so much bullying and isolation and my mental health because I do not feel safe anymore.

“Now, I’m more selective about people I allow into my life/space, I speak up when something feels wrong. That experience made me tougher, wiser, and more fearless. I’m not just surviving —I’m evolving,” she enthused.me tougher, wiser, and more fearless. I’m not just surviving —I’m evolving,” she enthused.