Growing concerns about personal safety in parts of Lagos have once again come into focus following comments by Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese, who has revealed that she no longer feels comfortable taking walks alone within her Lekki estate.
Speaking during a recent episode of the That’s What She Said podcast, the actress shared her experience navigating daily life in Lekki, contrasting it sharply with her previous residence in Magodo. According to Aladese, walking alone at any hour was a normal and safe part of her routine while she lived in Magodo, even as late as 2:00 a.m.
However, she explained that her experience changed significantly after relocating to Lekki. What was once a simple form of exercise and relaxation has now become a source of anxiety due to repeated encounters that left her feeling unsafe.
Aladese disclosed that she has had several unsettling experiences in which strange men followed her during walks within her estate. These encounters, she said, gradually eroded her sense of security and ultimately forced her to rethink her lifestyle choices.
Recalling one particularly frightening incident, the actress described it as a turning point. She noted that she narrowly escaped harm, attributing her safety on that occasion to divine intervention. The experience, she said, was serious enough to prompt an immediate change in how she prioritises her personal safety.
Following the incident, Aladese decided to stop walking outdoors alone altogether. Instead, she opted to buy a treadmill for home use, allowing her to maintain her fitness routine without exposing herself to potential danger.
Her remarks have sparked broader conversations about safety in upscale residential areas of Lagos, particularly in Lekki, which is often perceived as a secure and well-planned neighbourhood. Aladese’s account highlights growing concerns among residents about personal security and the need for improved vigilance and safety measures, even within gated estates.
The actress’s experience underscores a wider reality faced by many Lagos residents, especially women, who are increasingly adapting their daily routines in response to safety challenges in the city.