Olajumoke Orisaguna: From Grass To Grace, Then Back Again—Now As A Broadcaster
Olajumoke Orisaguna, famously known as Jumoke Oniburedi, captured the hearts of millions in 2016 when she rose to fame as the “Lagos bread seller” turned model. Discovered serendipitously by renowned photographer TY Bello during a photo shoot, her story became a national sensation—a true testament to the power of unexpected opportunities. Jumoke’s tale of transformation saw her grace magazine covers and inspire countless Nigerians with her rise from humble beginnings to stardom.
However, her fairy-tale journey hit a downward spiral four years ago when she lost her fame, wealth, and public relevance. This decline was attributed to a betrayal by her former manager, who allegedly defrauded her of earnings from endorsement deals and business engagements. Jumoke revealed her plight during a recent meet-and-greet event titled The Comeback of Olajumoke (Oni Buredi), hosted by Cardinal Foundation.
“I really suffered and lost everything,” Jumoke recounted. “She took me to South Africa twice for a documentary, but I had to pay for our flights and accommodation. When we returned, she only gave me N50,000. I had nothing left. I started calling people for food.”
In her darkest moments, two individuals became her pillars of support: TY Bello and Azuka Ogujiuba, the CEO of Media Room Hub. Jumoke expressed profound gratitude to these women, who provided her with shelter, food, and financial assistance when she was on the brink of destitution. “Aunty Azuka paid my rent, furnished a shop for me, and sent me foodstuffs regularly,” Jumoke shared. “TY Bello also assisted me financially. These women were my saving grace.”
Despite being alienated from Ogujiuba by her former manager, Jumoke was able to reconnect with her, leading to pivotal opportunities. Ogujiuba even involved the police in attempts to seek justice against the manager, but the case yielded little success.
In a remarkable turn of events, Ogujiuba approached Mrs. Adedoja Allen, the CEO of City FM and founder of Cardinal Foundation, to offer Jumoke a fresh start in broadcasting. Now, Jumoke is making a comeback as a broadcaster, marking a new chapter in her journey of resilience and redemption.
Reflecting on her experiences, Jumoke noted, “I have learned my lessons and will never leave those who truly mean well for me again.” Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of success and the power of genuine support systems in overcoming life’s challenges.
As she embarks on this new path, Jumoke’s comeback symbolizes hope, perseverance, and the possibility of rebuilding a life, no matter how dire the circumstances.
