Nigerian actress and broadcaster Omotunde Adebowale-David, popularly known as Lolo 1, has spoken out about a deeply traumatic incident she says happened years ago. On the latest episode of her podcast Say My Piece, which aired Friday on YouTube, the actress revealed she was raped by a male colleague in the broadcasting industry.
Speaking candidly, Lolo 1 explained that the experience has stayed with her ever since, leaving emotional scars and panic that resurfaces whenever she encounters the man involved. Despite the years that have passed, the pain remains fresh, especially as she still crosses paths with him.
“I remember how many of those things I have to relive. I have been raped only once in my life, and I was raped by a colleague. I see him every other day. Do you know how traumatized I am? When I see him, I just get into this momentary panic,” she said on the podcast.
She also noted the difficulty that victims often face when it comes to speaking out. According to her, naming her abuser now might spark public criticism, as some may question why she chose to stay silent for so long—particularly now that the man in question holds a high-profile position in the television industry.
“But if a woman of my calibre named him, he’s an established person in the broadcast industry, won’t people say, ‘How come I didn’t speak about it for all these six years until now that he’s taking a prominent TV position?’” she asked.
Lolo 1 further noted the complex emotional response that survivors of sexual assault frequently go through. She said denial and self-blame are often the first reactions, making it even harder to come forward.
“When sexual assault happens to women, the first thing to happen is denial. The next thing is self-blaming,” she said.
The actress also shared a tender moment with her daughter, who recently learned the full extent of her mother’s past struggles. “When I discussed it with my daughter yesterday, she held my hand and said, ‘Mummy, you’ve gone through so much.’ And I said I had.”
