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Nigerian actor Olayemi Jimoh, popularly known as Yemkem, has revealed that he experienced frightening health symptoms after portraying a stroke patient in a movie, saying the experience left him worried that he could become paralysed.
The Yoruba actor opened up about the ordeal during a recent interview with Agbaletu TV, where he recalled becoming unwell shortly after returning from a movie location in Itoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, about two years ago.
Yemkem said he had completed filming before returning home that night, only to notice unusual changes in his body. According to the actor, his legs began shaking, his speech became affected and his mouth appeared to move sideways.
“What I am talking about is from about two years ago. I went to a movie location and came back. I left Sisi Quadri and Okele at home then. I came back from that location in Itoko, Abeokuta, that night. My words were going out fast, my legs were shaking, and my mouth was moving sideways. The children asked what happened to me. That’s how I got into it,” he said.
The actor linked the frightening experience to the role he had just portrayed in a movie titled Jogodi.
According to him, his character suffered a stroke towards the end of the film, after which he began experiencing symptoms that made him concerned about his own health.
“I had just shot a movie at that time. The title was ‘Jogodi’. At the end of the movie, my character had a stroke. By the time I got home, I noticed my legs were shaking; people told me not to downplay the situation. They told me it was not ordinary,” he said.
Actor Seeks Medical Help
As the symptoms became noticeable, Yemkem said he was encouraged to seek medical attention.
He recalled visiting a doctor who advised him to reduce the amount of fat in his body and prescribed medication. The actor said the treatment also came at a significant financial cost at a time when he was already dealing with other responsibilities.
“The doctor asked me to reduce the fat in my body. He wrote some drugs for me. I gave him N450,000. As I was sick, I was still paying house rent. There were specific foods I was to eat,” he said.
Yemkem explained that he initially kept his health struggles private because he did not want to make the situation public.
However, he eventually sought further assistance as his condition became more serious. The actor said a fellow actor and another individual helped him find ways to manage the situation.
Despite the assistance he received, Yemkem said the financial burden of seeking treatment became overwhelming.
“When the situation became tense, I had to sell my car for treatment. I spent all the money I had on it. I was seeking traditional medical help. I still feel pain in my hands and legs,” he said.
Yemkem Turns To Traditional Treatment
The actor also revealed that he explored traditional treatment in his search for relief.
According to him, he underwent several procedures while trying to deal with the symptoms he experienced.
“I did so many things. I got an incision done by the teeth of a cobra,” he said.
Yemkem’s account highlighted the extent to which his health challenges affected different aspects of his life, including his finances and ability to maintain his normal routine.
He said he had initially hoped to manage the situation privately but eventually had to seek help as the circumstances became more difficult.
Actor Opens Up About Financial Struggles
Beyond his health concerns, Yemkem disclosed that he is currently facing financial difficulties.
The actor said he was worried about his housing situation after the death of his landlord. According to him, the landlord’s children had begun giving occupants indications that they might be required to leave the property.
“I no longer have money. The house I am living in now, the landlord died, and the children are already giving us signals to vacate the house. I still fought with a bike man just now. These things make me cry,” he added.
Yemkem is known for his appearances in Yoruba-language films and has featured in several Nollywood productions throughout his acting career.
His revelation has offered an insight into the personal difficulties he has faced away from the screen, from frightening health symptoms and expensive treatment to financial pressure.
While recounting the experience, the actor made it clear that the period was particularly challenging, especially as he continued to deal with pain in his hands and legs.
His story also shows the difficulties entertainers can face away from the spotlight, even as they continue appearing on screen and entertaining audiences.
Watch him speak below…
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