Veteran Nollywood actress Jumoke Eletekete has ignited widespread reactions after revealing that her colleague, Madam Saje, taught her how to portray witchcraft roles in Yoruba movies. In a viral interview with Agbaletu TV, hosted by Dele Adeyanju, the actress opened up about the real-life consequences of playing such characters, including being mistaken for an actual witch.
Learning Witchcraft Roles from Madam Saje
According to Eletekete, she and Madam Saje frequently played mother-and-daughter roles on screen, and it was during these collaborations that she learned to act as a witch. 'Madam Saje taught me how to act like a witch. We used to play mother-and-daughter roles in movies, even though we had never seen witches before or knew how they behaved,' she stated. The actress emphasized that neither of them had ever encountered a real witch, yet their performances were convincing enough to blur the line between fiction and reality for many viewers.
Stigma and Real-Life Consequences
Eletekete recounted several incidents where her on-screen persona led to discrimination. She revealed that a landlord once refused to rent an apartment to her because other tenants believed she was a witch. 'I have been invited to join witchcraft before, and people run away from me because they think I am a witch. A man once refused to rent an apartment to me, saying that other tenants could not stay in the same building with me because they believed I was a witch,' she said. The actress broke down in tears after hearing the landlord's remarks and also recalled an argument where someone accused her of trying to bewitch them.
Encounter with the Unexplained
When asked if she had ever encountered real witchcraft, Eletekete shared an unusual experience. She said she once saw a pole moving on its own, despite no one holding it, and it struck her on the leg. 'Blood gushed from the injury, and it took divine intervention for the bleeding to stop,' she explained. The actress was talking to herself, trying to understand what was happening, as she could not see anyone moving the pole or hitting her with it.
Marriage and Career Commitment
On her personal life, Eletekete stated she has never dated a fellow theatre practitioner because her boss did not permit it. She also affirmed her commitment to acting, saying she has no intention of giving up the profession as it may one day take her abroad. The actress's revelations have sparked discussions online, with many fans expressing sympathy for the stigma she faces while praising her dedication to her craft.
