Actress Adunni Ade discusses religious identity in Nollywood

Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has shared that she experienced a loss of followers on social media after publicly identifying as a Muslim. In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Ade discussed the challenges of being open about her faith within the Nigerian film industry.

Ade stated that being an openly Muslim actress in Nollywood feels ‘almost forbidden’ and noted that individuals can be looked down upon for such an identity. She explained that while she had previously attended various churches, she chose to return to Islam, a faith she was raised in, because it provides her with personal fulfillment.

According to the actress, the reaction from her audience was mixed; while many Muslim fans embraced her, she reported that some Christian fans unfollowed her or sent critical messages regarding her spiritual identity. Ade emphasized that her decision to be public was driven by a desire to stop keeping her religion a secret.