Nollywood actor Femi Adewole, popularly known as Femi Apefe, has responded to allegations connecting him to the recent death of actress Aunty Ajara.
The actress passed away following complications related to pregnancy and pre-existing liver issues.
After reports emerged that Aunty Ajara had been pregnant, old clips of her and Apefe began circulating on social media, with some users accusing him of being involved.
Apefe responded to the accusations through a video on his Instagram page, clarifying the nature of his relationship with the late actress.
He explained that he first met Aunty Ajara about two years ago and quickly recognised her acting talent.
He often invited her to film projects, and they developed a friendly relationship.
The actress would occasionally visit his home, sometimes with the help of a commercial motorcyclist.
Apefe said that a comedy skit they filmed at his house, in which Aunty Ajara acted as a pregnant woman, became the source of the rumours.
He denied any involvement in a real-life pregnancy, stating that the only pregnancy he knew of was the one in the skit.
The actor also shared that Aunty Ajara sometimes felt insecure about her body size, but he always supported her career and admired her talent.
He said: “I first met Aunty Ajara about two years ago and immediately noticed her natural acting ability. I admired her talent and often invited her to join me on movie sets for filming. We developed a friendly relationship. She was familiar with my home and would sometimes visit with the help of a commercial motorcyclist.
“At one point, I suggested creating a comedy skit in which she would act as a pregnant woman. People around us liked the idea, and we filmed it at my house. That particular video later became the source of rumours that she was pregnant with twins in real life. I am not responsible for any pregnancy. The only pregnancy I knew about was the one portrayed in the skit.
She sometimes struggled with feelings of insecurity because of her body size, but I always admired her acting talent. I was one of her biggest supporters and encouraged her to keep pursuing her career. I am deeply saddened by her passing and I distance myself from the allegations circulating online.”