Ayo Adesanya Opens Up on Abusive Marriage: ‘I Became an Alcoholic’

Veteran Nollywood actress Ayo Adesanya has shared a deeply personal revelation about her past, detailing how the abuse she suffered in her failed marriage led her to alcohol dependency.

In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Adesanya recalled enduring 10 years of physical and emotional torment at the hands of her ex-husband. The actress revealed that he not only forbade her from acting but also threatened to harm her, including a chilling warning that he would pluck out her eyes with a knife.

"Anywhere my ex-husband saw me, he would beat me. He beat me so much that I became an alcoholic. But I couldn’t leave because of the shame of people saying I couldn’t keep a man," she admitted.

Breaking the Silence: The Price of Staying in a Toxic Marriage

Adesanya’s story is a painful reminder of how societal expectations can trap victims in abusive relationships. The fear of being judged for leaving a marriage often keeps many silent, forcing them to endure years of suffering.

For many women, especially in cultures where marriage is heavily tied to a woman's value, walking away is seen as failure. Adesanya’s experience echoes the struggles of countless victims who stay in toxic relationships out of fear, shame, or financial dependence.

Opinion: Strength in Leaving, Not Staying

While it’s heartbreaking to hear her story, Adesanya’s courage in speaking out is commendable. It sends a powerful message—there is no shame in leaving an abusive marriage. Society must stop placing the burden of “keeping a man” on women, especially at the cost of their mental and physical well-being.

Her survival is a testimony that healing is possible, and her voice will undoubtedly inspire others to break free from toxic relationships. Abuse should never be tolerated, and choosing peace over societal expectations is always the right choice.