Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde recounts near-death health scare

Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has shared her harrowing experience about a health crisis that left her fighting for her life.

The last few months, she revealed, were riddled with intense pain, emergency room visits, and a life-saving surgery, yet she remains deeply grateful for the gift of life.

In a heartfelt post, Omotola recounted how her ordeal began while she was juggling professional commitments, including preparations for her upcoming films and attending the Academy Voting Members’ viewing of Gladiator 2.

Despite her busy schedule, she had been experiencing recurrent back and chest pains severe enough to land her in the emergency room twice within a week.

Doctors initially suspected high blood pressure and acid reflux, administering treatment that seemed to offer temporary relief.

However, during the movie screening, Omotola’s condition worsened dramatically.

“I could not sit up,” she shared, noting that she had to skip conversations with industry heavyweights like Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott.

The night that followed was even more terrifying, with relentless vomiting and, by morning, excruciating stomach pain.

A third emergency visit revealed the shocking cause: a severely dilated gallbladder that required immediate surgery.

Reflecting on the critical moment, Omotola expressed her astonishment at how she had endured the pain for so long.

“The doctors wondered how I was not in more pain. More pain?” she mused.

The emergency surgery marked the beginning of her recovery journey and, ultimately, her gratitude-filled return to health.

“On this day, whether you’re in the US or not, there’s so much to thank God for. Take some time to join in and give thanks—not only for the gift of life but for the gift of good health, the gift of a complete body, or a sane mind to even dream.”