₦airaland Forum

I begged for food after my popularity waned – Jumoke Orisaguna


After years of fading into obscurity, Olajumoke Orisaguna, the Lagos bread seller, who rose to fame in 2016 after being discovered by renowned photographer, TY Bello, is making a remarkable comeback—this time as a broadcaster.

Popularly known as Jumoke Oniburedi, she captured national attention when Ty Bello spotted her during a photo shoot while she was selling bread on the streets of Lagos and saw her potential as a model.

Her story of rising from grass to grace became a media sensation, featuring her on magazine covers and inspiring countless Nigerians.

However, her journey took a downward turn four years ago when she lost her fame, wealth, and public relevance after falling victim to fraud allegedly orchestrated by her former manager.

Jumoke claimed she was deceived by the manager, who siphoned her money made through endorsement deals and other business engagements.

She revealed this during a meet-and-greet event titled The Comeback of Olajumoke (Oni Bredi), hosted by Cardinal Foundation, where she recounted her ordeal.

Jumoke said, “I really suffered and lost everything. She took me to South Africa twice for a documentary, but I had to pay for our flights and accommodation. When we returned to Nigeria, she only gave me N50,000. I had no money, nothing. I lost everything. I started calling people for food. It was Aunty Azuka and TY Bello who came to my rescue.

“Aunty Azuka paid my rent, furnished a shop for me, and regularly sent me foodstuffs and money to take care of my daughters. It was that bad.

“I have learned my lessons, and I will never leave those who truly mean well to me again.”

Jumoke expressed gratitude to the CEO of Media Room Hub, Azuka Ogujiuba, TY Bello, and Mrs Adedoja Allen, who supported her during those challenging times.

Despite her strained relationship with Ogujiuba, whom her former manager had allegedly alienated her from, Ogujiuba provided financial assistance for food and rent.

“Aunty Azuka and TY Bello really helped me. Whenever I called Azuka for help, she would provide it, even when she didn’t have much—her daughter would step in. TY Bello also assisted me financially. I am so grateful to these two women; they were my saving grace.”

To help Jumoke rebuild her life, Ogujiuba approached the CEO of City FM and founder of Cardinal Foundation, an initiative of Cardinal Broadcasting, Mrs Adedoja Allen, to offer her an opportunity in broadcasting.

Ogujiuba recounted how she involved the police to arrest Jumoke’s former manager, who had defrauded her. However, the case yielded no significant outcome as the manager was released and failed to honour subsequent police invitations

Challenges behind the spotlight
While her rise to fame brought opportunities, it also came with challenges.

Unfortunately, her newfound fame came at a price as her marriage hit the rocks.

In an interview with City FM, Olajumoke recounted her experience and detailed her alleged struggles in her marriage with her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna.

The former model described her life in her husband’s family home as “hostile,” citing alleged mistreatment from her mother-in-law and physical abuse from her husband.

“There is no way you stay in that place and not encounter problems,” Olajumoke explained.

“My mother-in-law was very hostile towards me. My husband never listened to my side of the story; he would beat me even before hearing me out. Sometimes, he used a belt. My face and body would swell after each beating.”

The model recalled feeling trapped in the marriage, particularly after becoming pregnant, despite her family’s initial disapproval of the union.

“I would hide what was happening because I did not want my mom to hear. She also lived within the same vicinity as us. Before I went and reported to her, she would say she did not give me out in marriage to anyone. Even my mum’s younger sister was against me marrying him, as she had lived longer in Ire than me, so she knew what she was saying. But when the pregnancy issue happened, there was nothing anyone could do.”

Unseen:
How's her husband?

Morbeta11:
"I have learned my lessons, and I will never leave those who truly mean well to me again.”

https://punchng.com/i-begged-for-food-after-my-popularity-waned-jumoke-orisaguna/

“I have learned my lessons, and I will never leave those who truly mean well to me again.

Asquare84:
She left the husband when she felt her level is above him.

Unseen:
How's her husband?

azpekuliar:
They were never married.

IyanAtiEgusi:
Just open toto again to the right man and all will be alright

TOPCRUISE:
It is difficult for a failed man to tolerate the success and excellence and celebrity status of his wife