Veteran Nollywood actress Dupe Jaiyesimi recently opened up about her deeply personal journey through infertility and childlessness, revealing the emotional toll of celebrating her 60th birthday without children. In a heartfelt interview on Biola Adebayo’s podcast, Jaiyesimi shared her struggles, including a devastating ectopic pregnancy and the betrayal that led to the end of her marriage.
Jaiyesimi recounted the heartbreaking moment she discovered her pregnancy was ectopic, with the baby growing outside her womb. “I was once pregnant, but the scan showed the baby was growing outside the womb,” she said. “After a few weeks, I lost the pregnancy.” The pain of this loss was compounded when her husband brought another woman into their home—already pregnant with his child. “After I lost the pregnancy, my husband brought another woman home, and she was already expecting his baby,” she revealed. “I had no choice but to walk away, and since then, I have remained single.”
Despite her longing for motherhood, Jaiyesimi faced further challenges with infertility. She underwent two rounds of IVF, both of which ended in disappointment. She also considered adoption but was discouraged by her late mother, who advised against bringing a child she did not conceive into her life. “I attempted IVF twice, but it failed,” she shared. “At a point, I thought of adopting, but my mother warned me not to bring any child I didn’t conceive into my life.”
Reflecting on her decision to remain single, Jaiyesimi explained that many of the men she encountered were not seeking genuine companionship but rather sought to exploit her. Disillusioned, she chose to embrace solitude. “Most men just wanted to have a piece of me, so I decided to stay single,” she said.
The actress, once a prominent figure in Yoruba cinema, also revealed that she has been absent from the industry for over seven years, neither acting nor producing films. “The only thing I know how to do best is acting, but I have not been in movies for over seven years,” she lamented. “I haven’t produced any either.”
Despite these challenges, Jaiyesimi remains hopeful. “As long as there is life, there is hope,” she declared. “I still believe I can have my own child.” Her story has struck a chord with many, particularly women facing similar struggles, and has garnered an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. Many have praised her resilience and courage, while others have encouraged her to keep hope alive for motherhood. Her unwavering faith in the future continues to inspire those who follow her journey.
