After years of fading into obscurity, Olajumoke Orisaguna, the Lagos bread seller who rose to fame in 2016 after being discovered by renowned photographer TY Bello, is making a remarkable comeback—this time as a broadcaster.
Popularly known as Jumoke Oniburedi, she first captured national attention when TY Bello spotted her during a photo shoot on the streets of Lagos, where she was selling bread. Recognising her potential as a model, TY Bello helped launch her into the spotlight.
Her story of rising from humble beginnings to fame became a media sensation, landing her on magazine covers and inspiring countless Nigerians. However, her journey took a downturn four years ago when she lost her fame, wealth, and public relevance after falling victim to fraud, allegedly orchestrated by her former manager.
Jumoke revealed her ordeal during a meet-and-greet event titled The Comeback of Olajumoke (Oni Bredi), hosted by the Cardinal Foundation. She recounted how her manager deceived her, siphoning money earned through endorsement deals and other business engagements.
She explained, “I really suffered and lost everything. She took me to South Africa twice for a documentary, but I had to pay for our flights and accommodation. When we returned to Nigeria, she only gave me ₦50,000. I had no money, nothing. I lost everything. I started calling people for food. It was Aunty Azuka and TY Bello who came to my rescue.”
Jumoke expressed gratitude to Azuka Ogujiuba, the CEO of Media Room Hub, TY Bello, and Mrs Adedoja Allen, who supported her during her darkest moments.
Aunty Azuka paid my rent, furnished a shop for me, and regularly sent foodstuffs and money to take care of my daughters. It was that bad,” she shared. “I have learned my lessons, and I will never leave those who truly mean well for me again.”
Despite her strained relationship with Ogujiuba, who her former manager had allegedly alienated her from, Ogujiuba stepped in to provide financial assistance for rent and daily needs. Jumoke remarked, “Whenever I called Azuka for help, she would provide it, even when she didn’t have much—her daughter would step in. TY Bello also assisted me financially. I am so grateful to these two women; they were my saving grace.”
In a bid to help Jumoke rebuild her life, Ogujiuba reached out to Mrs Adedoja Allen, the CEO of City FM and founder of Cardinal Foundation, an initiative of Cardinal Broadcasting. Allen offered Jumoke an opportunity in broadcasting, marking a new chapter in her life.
Ogujiuba also recounted how she involved the police to arrest Jumoke’s former manager, who had defrauded her. However, the case yielded little progress, as the manager was released and failed to respond to further police summons.