Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has finally responded to lingering allegations linking her romantically with popular actor Odunlade Adekola, saying she will no longer waste energy addressing baseless rumours.
The actress, known for her roles in Yoruba cinema and her close working relationship with Odunlade, has over the years been the subject of gossip regarding a supposed affair with the award-winning star.
The speculation resurfaced last week after a viral video captured her appearing uneasy and hiding from cameras at the burial of Odunlade’s late father.
The footage reignited online chatter, with critics suggesting her behavior was an attempt to avoid fueling ongoing rumors.
But in a heartfelt series of Instagram story posts on Wednesday, Eniola Ajao, firmly debunked the insinuations, describing them as deliberate attempts to tarnish her image and undermine her years of hard work in the film industry.
“You can’t fix every lie and rumour, nor can you defend yourself every time. Just be great.
People may destroy your image, stain your personality, but they can’t take away your good deeds because no matter how they describe you, you will still be admired by those who know you better,” she wrote.
In her statement, Eniola Ajao, stressed that maturity has taught her the futility of trying to counter every accusation.
According to her, life becomes more peaceful when one chooses not to constantly prove innocence to detractors.
“Life hits differently when you stop trying to prove you didn’t do that, or you are not like that,” she explained, urging her fans to focus on their values rather than public opinion.
The actress further emphasized that while people may attempt to soil her reputation, those who genuinely know her character will always separate fact from fiction.
Speculations about a possible romantic relationship between Eniola Ajao and Odunlade Adekola have trailed them for nearly a decade, largely because of their frequent collaborations in movies and public appearances.
Odunlade, a household name in Nollywood, has also had his share of controversies, including past allegations of “sex-for-roles” which he has publicly denied.
Industry watchers say the pair’s professional closeness has been repeatedly misinterpreted as intimacy, a common occurrence in Nollywood where actors who share strong on-screen chemistry often become the subject of gossip off-screen.
Despite years of silence, Eniola Ajao’s recent statement is one of her most direct responses to the narrative, underscoring her frustration with persistent rumours.
Observers note that Ajao’s experience reflects the broader challenge Nigerian celebrities face in managing personal reputation amid the age of viral videos and social media speculation.
The actress has, in recent years, built a strong fanbase and brand endorsement profile, with her glamorous lifestyle and movie roles keeping her in the spotlight.
However, online trolls continue to push narratives that question her achievements, often attributing them to rumored relationships rather than her professional merit.
This, analysts argue, highlights the gender bias that female entertainers in Nigeria frequently endure—where their success is often linked to men in the industry rather than their talent and work ethic.
Following her Instagram post, many fans rallied in support of Eniola Ajao, praising her resilience and urging her to stay focused on her craft.
Several Nollywood colleagues also privately expressed solidarity, according to insider sources, stressing that baseless gossip should not overshadow her achievements.
Eniola Ajao has starred in numerous Yoruba-language films and has built a reputation as one of the leading ladies of Nollywood, often praised for her versatility and on-screen presence.
While Ajao did not mention Odunlade directly in her post, her remarks appear to draw a line under the persistent speculations.
Instead, she seems more determined than ever to channel her energy into her career and personal growth.
Her statement may also serve as a reminder to fans and critics alike that celebrities remain human, navigating both public praise and scrutiny.
As Nollywood continues to expand globally, the demand for transparency and accountability among its stars is rising, but so too is the pressure of managing constant media attention.
For Ajao, the lesson is clear—choosing peace over proving a point may be the most powerful response to unfounded allegations.