Iya Ajirotutu, the Nigerian actress, has detailed her ordeal with suspected occult figures that led her to abruptly abandon her long-time residence and thriving herbal practice in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
Born Esther Adebayo, the film star, who is famous in the Yoruba movie industry, shared the experience in a recent interview with Feel Right TV.
Ajirotutu disclosed that she was born into a family deeply rooted in traditional religion in Oyan, Osun.
She said that although she later converted to Christianity, she felt compelled to continue the family’s practice of herbal healing, establishing a successful business in Cotonou.
The actress said that for 11 years, she operated her practice until two mysterious women visited her. According to her, their manner of greeting immediately identified them as members of an occult group.
Ajirotutu said that despite their seemingly neutral response, the implication was clear and threatening. She said due to fear for her safety, she made the swift decision to leave the country in her 12th year.
“I was in a conversation with someone when two people came for me. I told them to wait for me in the corridor. I asked them what they wanted, but they said they came for me. They then made the occult slang. I rolled on the ground to greet them. They said if I want to do this job, I have to join them. I asked what if I decide to stop the practice, they replied that I am free,” she said.
“I also asked them what if I were to heal a relative who is having complications with pregnancy, and they said I can. But that incident made me leave the country. That was why I left Cotonou. I spent 12 years in the country. It was during my 11th year that those women came.”
Adebayo also revealed the personal cost of her famed on-screen roles, which often typecast her as a spiritualist or witch.
“I have been to a place before where I was being stoned and tagged as a witch. Till this day, I am still being tagged a witch,” she added.
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