When actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo appeared on The Morayo Show with Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the conversation went far beyond celebrity headlines. The veteran actress reflected on the experiences that have shaped her life. From raising two children as a single mother and surviving difficult moments to embracing grandmotherhood, finding love again, and learning to protect her peace.
The candid interview also touched on her approach to activism, why she eventually opened up about being a survivor of sexual assault, the success of her latest projects, and the playful “sex glow” remark that left the studio laughing.
Here are the biggest moments from the conversation.
Breaking the stigma around single motherhood
Morayo began by applauding Iyabo for challenging long-held stereotypes about single mothers in Nigeria. She noted that many women are often told that becoming a single mother means their lives are over and that they cannot build successful careers, remarry, or raise responsible children. In Iyabo’s case, she said, the opposite has happened.
Responding to the praise, Iyabo said seeing her children grow into responsible adults has given her a deep sense of fulfilment.
“It makes me feel very great… happy and fulfilled.”
Now a proud grandmother, she said watching her family grow is one of her greatest joys.
Why becoming a grandmother has changed her activism
Known for speaking up on social issues, Iyabo admitted that becoming a grandmother has made her a little more cautious. She explained that with her daughter, Priscilla Ojo, now married, she is more mindful of how public controversies could affect her family. She shared:
“I have really piped down because of my grandson now. I’m a granny now. Priscilla is married now. I don’t want our in-laws having a different perception. Perception because when you want to fight it comes with a lot. And you should know that when you’re fighting the opposite side, they’re going to come up with different allegations, false allegations against you. And it’s always a divided audience. And I wouldn’t want her to be going through any stress.”
Still, she made it clear that she has not abandoned activism completely. She added:
“If the need be for me to speak up, I will always.”
According to her, speaking up often comes with false accusations and public criticism, but she remains willing to lend her voice whenever she believes it is necessary.
The protective mother behind her children
Iyabo also shared how deeply involved she was in raising both of her children. She recalled personally taking care of them from infancy and said she wanted her son, Festus, to grow up understanding that household responsibilities are not meant for women alone.
“Because you’re a man does not mean you mustn’t cook. You must cook, you must clean.”
She revealed that she was even more protective of her daughter because of her own painful past. She added that Priscilla was rarely left alone, always had a trusted female companion around her, and was closely monitored throughout her university years. In her words:
“Priscilia too, you know, for her, I think I was more protective. So she was so confused when she was in the university. I think it was her second or third year. She was like, “Mom, don’t you trust me?” Like, “I trust you. I just don’t trust trust your friends.” Because I was so protective. Like she can’t step out of school without a call from me. I always made sure that every time I even had to send a driver, there must be a female staff. She had a female helper from day one till she got married. So I was so protective. Like if I’m not there, a female has to be there. I’ve never left her with a male, you know, ever. Never. Because I didn’t want what happened to me to… Cuz I’m a rape victim.”
Why she finally spoke about surviving sexual assault
One of the most emotional moments of the interview came when Iyabo explained why she decided in 2019 to publicly share that she is a survivor of sexual assault. She said the decision was inspired by messages from women who were facing similar experiences and were looking to her for hope.
“There was a particular fan that sent me a message… she was going through something relating to what I had been through.”
That message changed everything. Instead of remaining silent, Iyabo recorded a video that later went viral, hoping it would encourage others who felt alone.
She also reflected on the judgment many single mothers face, stressing that people rarely know the full story behind a failed marriage.
“I don’t think there’s any woman who wants to get married and walk out of that marriage,” she said, adding that while physical abuse is often discussed, emotional abuse can be just as damaging.
“Sometimes emotional abuse is worse than physical abuse.”
Why she has no regrets about leaving her marriage
Looking back, Iyabo said ending her marriage was one of the hardest decisions she ever made, but one she does not regret. She disclosed that, in hindsight, the marriage should have ended much earlier.
“It should have ended on my wedding night.”
Despite staying for some time, she eventually realised that protecting her children and preserving her peace of mind had to come first. She shared: “It wasn’t about me when I was leaving. It was about my children.”
Today, she believes making that decision allowed her children to flourish. She said: “If I had stayed, probably my kids won’t be where they are today.” She also revealed that her upcoming book and next cinema project will explore more of her personal history.
Taking her films to audiences around the world
The actress also reflected on the success of The Return of Arinzo, which took her across Nigeria and several international cities. She described the tour as both stressful and rewarding, saying it allowed her to connect with audiences in the United States and Canada in ways she had never experienced before.
According to her, some screenings attracted more than 300 attendees, while even the smallest audiences exceeded 200 people. “It was overwhelming,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support her work received abroad.
Iyabo also announced that her new YouTube project, Memory of You, is set for release, explaining that she developed the original idea before working with a writer to bring it to life.
Friendship, betrayal and protecting her peace
Fame, she admitted, has changed the way she approaches friendships. Years of betrayal have taught her to keep a much smaller inner circle.
“I used to have a lot of friends, but I’ve reduced it.”
When it comes to criticism on social media, however, Iyabo said she has learned not to internalise it. People who judge her online, she said, often do not know her personally. Instead, the opinions that matter most are those of the people closest to her.
Her ‘sex glow’ comment and finding love again
The conversation ended on a lighter note when Morayo asked about Iyabo’s love life and the confidence and happiness many people have noticed in her.
Asked what she believed was responsible for a woman’s glow, Iyabo laughed before giving an answer that immediately drew cheers from the audience. She said:
“Sex has a lot to do in a woman’s glow.”
When Morayo jokingly asked if she was implying she was getting enough, Iyabo smiled and replied: “Getting more than enough.”
Beyond the humour, she said lasting happiness is not determined by whether someone is married or single. Instead, she believes a healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, understanding and support.
She acknowledged that every relationship has disagreements, but said respect for one another’s space and individual pursuits is what keeps love strong.
Conclusion
Throughout the interview, Iyabo Ojo offered more than celebrity anecdotes. She reflected on the difficult choices that shaped her journey, the lessons she has learned from motherhood, heartbreak, friendship and public life, and the peace she has found in this new chapter.
Whether discussing the realities of single motherhood, explaining why she still speaks up on important issues, or joking about the secret behind her glow, the actress presented herself as a woman who has embraced every stage of her life with honesty, resilience and confidence.
