Story:
Renowned Nigerian media personality and actress Omotunde Adebowale-David, popularly known as Lolo 1, has courageously opened up about a traumatic experience of sexual assault she endured from a colleague within the broadcasting industry.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Say My Piece podcast, which she co-hosts, Lolo recounted the deep emotional impact the incident left on her. Although she refrained from revealing the full details, she disclosed that the experience continues to haunt her, especially as she still encounters the alleged perpetrator regularly.
“I hardly ever say this, and I am not even ready to tell the full story—the stories of sexual assault,” she said. “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.”
Lolo revealed that the assault happened only once, but its lasting trauma is something she still battles with. “I was raped by a colleague. I see him every other day. Do you know how traumatised I am? When I see him, I just get into this momentary panic.”
She also expressed the emotional burden of silence, admitting that fear of public backlash and judgment has held her back from naming the perpetrator. “He’s an established figure in the broadcast industry. If I named him now, wouldn’t people ask why I stayed silent for six years—especially now that he’s stepping into a prominent TV role?”
The actress spoke candidly about the psychological toll survivors often face. “When sexual assault happens to women, the first thing is denial. Then comes self-blame,” she said.
Lolo’s brave revelation sheds light on the internal conflict, fear, and emotional pain survivors of sexual violence endure—especially in industries where influence and reputation often protect perpetrators.
