In a revealing interview on the Talk To B podcast, Ajao recounted the emotional turmoil and isolation she felt during that period of her life.
According to Ajao, becoming pregnant outside of marriage carried a heavy stigma within her community, leading to profound feelings of shame and the fear of being labeled a "baby mama." She worried intensely about the potential consequence of never getting married and facing social ostracism.
Due to these strong societal norms and expectations surrounding early motherhood, Ajao chose to keep her pregnancy private, confiding only in a close circle of family members and friends.
Ajao emphasized that while she did not inherently view early motherhood as shameful, the deeply ingrained societal norms within her community created a difficult and isolating experience for her to navigate.
She explained that her community placed a high value on education and career advancement, with the expectation that young women would complete their schooling and establish their careers before starting a family.
Reflecting on the societal pressures of the time, Ajao stated, "You know things are not what they used to be before now. Ladies at my age, then, their parents were always skeptical about not being exposed to so many things that were going on during that time."
She further elaborated on the emotional impact of her situation, saying, "Having to get pregnant at 20 was a bit dramatic; you just feel like the whole world is coming against you. You probably want to kill yourself or die at some point, and you would probably not be able to get married again. So you want to hide it from your parents and the public. At that time, it was considered a thing of shame. Not that it was a thing of shame for me, but it was considered to be early."
Ajao highlighted the community's emphasis on traditional milestones, noting, "A lot of people got married at 17, but where I come from, they want you to finish your school, graduate, and do a couple of things. I was already in Yabatech when it happened."
She concluded by sharing the anxieties she faced, stating, "Thinking that probably you may not get married, somebody calling you a baby mama, and you do not want to get stigmatised. Just close friends and family members knew about it."
Eniola Ajao's candid account offers a valuable perspective on the societal pressures and stigma that can surround young motherhood, highlighting the emotional challenges faced by individuals navigating such experiences within specific cultural contexts.