Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao has denied rumours suggesting she is in a romantic relationship with her colleague, Odunlade Adekola.

The speculation intensified last week after a video from the burial of Odunlade’s father in Otun Ekiti went viral, showing Ajao attempting to avoid the camera shortly after exchanging pleasantries with the actor’s wife. Netizens had claimed her behaviour reflected guilt, with critics alleging she had once been romantically linked to the actor.

But in a series of posts on her Instagram story on Wednesday, Ajao dismissed the claims. “Life hits differently when you stop trying to prove you didn’t say that, you didn’t do that, you’re not like that. You can’t fix every lie and every rumour, nor can you defend yourself every time something is said about you. Just be great!” her post read. She further noted, “People may destroy your image, stain your personality, but they can’t take away your good deeds. No matter how they describe you, you will still be admired by those who really know you better.”

The actress also reshared a comment from a fan who condemned the backlash and praised her loyalty to Odunlade. “Dear Eniola Ajao, may the Almighty God bless the work of your hands. I purposely looked for your official handle because of your participation in Odunlade’s father’s burial. “I saw everything you did as a show of appreciation towards your boss, having gone a long way together in the movie business,” the fan wrote.

The fan also criticised the widespread assumption that men and women cannot share a platonic friendship. “Your maturity is top-notch. Please, I want to see more of you with my favourite actor, Odunlade Adekola. The more they make the noise, the more we come to your page to check your news.”

Ajao, who has long faced rumours of an alleged affair with Odunlade, said she would no longer be distracted by such controversies.