Veteran Nollywood actor Sunday Afolabi has opened up about the painful journey that pushed him from the screen into commercial minibus driving after years of financial hardship and isolation from the industry.
In a recent interview with Abiola Adebayo on her Talk to B podcast, the actor popularly known for classic roles in films and series such as Owo Blow, Madam Dearest, Super Story and Village Headmaster revealed how relocating to Badagry to build a home within his limited means cut him off from Lagos film circles.
“I relocated to Badagry because I wanted to have a building of my own. As at that time, the little money I had could only buy me land in that area. Out of sight is out of mind. The distance of the house to the city has been a barrier,” he said.
Afolabi, whose career dates back to 1970 with the Adelove Theatre Troupe, described a string of setbacks that left him struggling to survive. He lost his Nissan Quest after the shock absorber remained unrepaired for nearly two years. He eventually sold the vehicle for N180,000 to settle debts and buy a fairly used motorcycle.
“I was not used to motorcycling, so I kept falling,” he recalled, detailing accidents that included a serious fall into a pothole that injured his jaw and another crash that left him hospitalised for almost two weeks.
With acting jobs scarce and his photography work drying up, the veteran turned to multiple trades including commercial cycling, tailoring, solar panel installation and eventually driving a commercial minibus known as Korope.
“So, if I call myself a jack of all trades and master of all, there’s no mistake in it, because what I hate most in my life is to beg for food. I’ll rather do any legitimate job,” he declared.
A viral video showing him calling passengers into the minibus left him feeling embarrassed.
“People’s reaction to the video made me feel bad. Because people felt bad, I also felt bad that this is a wrong presentation of me to the world. It might be discouraging to anyone who wants to call me for a job, but I hoped for a positive impact,” he admitted.
He noted that the minibus is currently not working due to engine problems.
Afolabi expressed deep appreciation for his wife’s steadfast loyalty through the difficult years. Looking ahead, he appealed for practical support that could help him return fully to acting.
“If I can get accommodation help, it will help me get acting jobs. If I can also get the help of a good car, Toyota brand or anyone, I wouldn’t mind, just a good car that I can use for Uber. I’ll stop calling passengers into a minibus and strategically position myself as an Uber driver. There’s no shame in it,” he said.
His story has resonated widely, highlighting the quiet struggles many veteran entertainers face as the industry evolves. Fans and colleagues continue to call for support that would allow the resilient actor to reclaim his place on screen while maintaining his dignity through honest work.