Veteran Nollywood actor Sunday Afolabi has shed light on the severe financial hardships that led him to drive a commercial bus to make ends meet, following viral reactions on social media. Speaking in an emotional interview with actress Biola Bayo on her talk show, the iconic movie star detailed the series of unfortunate setbacks that stalled his once-flourishing acting career.
The Relocation That Cost Him His Career
Afolabi, who began his acting journey in Lagos in 1970, rose to prominence after featuring in legendary Nigerian productions such as Owo Blow, Village Headmaster, and Nowhere to be Found. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he decided to relocate to the outskirts of Lagos.
According to the actor, his move to Badagry was driven by a desire to build and own his own home. Unfortunately, the distance cut him off from mainstream Nollywood hubs, leading to a severe lack of acting roles.
“I actually relocated to have a building of my own. It caused a lot of setbacks, especially for my major profession, which is acting,” Afolabi shared. “My shock absorber was bad for two years. I wasn’t getting acting jobs, so I couldn’t fix it.”
From Luxury to Survival: Selling His Car for a Motorcycle
As the financial strain intensified, Afolabi was forced to sell his Nissan Quest minivan for a mere 180,000 Naira. He used the proceeds to purchase a fairly used motorcycle to get around, but this came with physical risks, as he recounted falling off the bike on multiple occasions.
When a video of him driving a commercial bus recently surfaced online, it sparked concern among fans and colleagues. Addressing the clip, the veteran actor explained that he took up the driving job as a matter of dignity, choosing hard labor over begging for food.
A Tearful Encounter and Call for Public Support
During the interview, Afolabi broke down in tears as he recalled an emotional encounter with a fan who recognized him while he was working. The stark contrast between his former celebrity status and his current reality left both him and the fan deeply emotional.
In response to his plight, show host Biola Bayo made a passionate appeal to the public and well-meaning Nigerians at the end of the broadcast. She called for financial donations to help purchase a commercial bus for the veteran actor, which would provide him with a stable source of income, as well as assistance with secure accommodation.