“Playing Witches In Movies Made People See Me As One” – Iya Ajirotutu

Nigerian actress Iya Ajirotutu has recounted her harrowing experience with alleged occult figures, which forced her to suddenly abandon both her long-time home and flourishing herbal business in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Esther Adebayo, popularly known as Iya Ajirotutu and a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, revealed the experience during a recent interview with Feel Right TV, posted on YouTube.

Ajirotutu revealed that she hails from Oyan in Osun State and was born into a family with strong ties to traditional religion.

She explained that despite embracing Christianity later in life, she still felt drawn to uphold her family’s tradition of herbal medicine, which eventually led her to build a thriving practice in Cotonou.

The actress recounted that she successfully ran her practice for 11 years until she was approached by two mysterious women. She noted that the peculiar way they greeted her instantly revealed them as members of an occult group.

Ajirotutu explained that although the women’s response appeared outwardly neutral, the underlying message carried a clear and unsettling threat.

She stated that out of concern for her safety, she made the drastic decision to abandon everything and leave the country in her 12th year of practice.

“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 further opened up about the personal toll of her popular movie roles, noting that she is frequently typecast as a spiritualist or witch on screen.

“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.

Watch her speak below…