Adunni Ade Laments How She Was Depressed, Started Losing Her Memory, Opens Up About Struggles in Nollywood

…Says, “I Was Just Being Straightforward”

Popular Nigerian actress, Adunni Ade, has opened up about the emotional and professional toll of working in Nollywood, revealing how jealousy, sabotage, and internal politics have denied her many opportunities and affected her mental health.

Speaking during an interview with WithChude, Adunni recalled her return to Nigeria in 2011. She said her career kicked off strongly, with her early films going straight to the cinemas.

However, her no-nonsense approach and direct personality soon clashed with the unwritten rules of the industry.

“I have encountered so much. So, I moved back here (Nigeria) in 2011. When I came back, it was big,” she said.

Adunni explained that her candid nature didn’t sit well with many in the Nigerian entertainment space.

“I think my personality was just too much for a lot of people I came across. Maybe it’s the Nigerian setting”, she noted.

The actress didn’t hold back in criticizing what she described as a culture that punished honesty. “I think Nigerians don’t like to be told the truth. They like to be deceived and lied to. They like when other folks kiss their partner’s behind, and that does not work for me.”

Emphasizing her commitment to clear and honest communication, she said, “Yes is yes in my book, and no is no. White is white, black is black. White can never be gray in my book. I wasn’t being nasty. I was just being straightforward.”

Adunni revealed that her refusal to play by industry politics cost her dearly. “I was outcasted. I’ve had jobs taken away from me. I’ve had colleagues who are now big names yank my name off and lie to producers and executive producers about why I shouldn’t be hired.”

She further disclosed that several endorsement deals were lost – not because of her qualifications or performance, but due to bias and favoritism.

“Deals have been yanked off my feet because they don’t know me or don’t like me or I’m not their person. They’d rather give it to someone they’re cool with who can give them a cut, rat”, Adunni enthused.