Yemi Awomodu, the Nollywood actor famous in the Yoruba film industry, has opened up about his relocation to the United Kingdom, the struggles he faced after his first divorce, and how he rebuilt his life.
In an interview with Talk To B, Awomodu revealed that his move abroad was influenced by both personal loss and an opportunity presented by his then-partner.
Awomodu explained that after his father’s death in 2003, he suppressed his grief to support his mother and siblings. He said, however, two years later, the emotional toll became unbearable.
He said at the time, he was in a relationship with a woman based in the UK who knew of his passion for education.
The actor added that she informed him about a school offering English Language studies, and he seized the opportunity.
“After losing my dad in 2003, I could not grief because I had to console my mom and siblings but somehow grief caught up with me,” he said.
“I was tired, I wanted to be by myself, to grief in 2005. I just needed to grieve that time, so I was indoors for almost two weeks, but actors who knew my house came to me for work, and I had to.
“However, at the time, I was dating someone who lives in the UK. She knew about my passion for education so she told me about a school offering English Language study so I didn’t think much about it, especially with the grief I was expressing so I took the opportunity and left.”
The film star said initially, relocating was seamless because he was married, and his wife helped ease the process. He, however, revealed that after their separation, his life took a drastic turn.
Awomodu disclosed that for months, he endured harsh conditions. He said he slept on buses, park benches, and struggled to afford basic necessities like food and hygiene.
He said his situation, however, got better after he called Tosin Abiola, his colleague, who offered him a place to stay.
“Going to the UK was smooth for me because I was married at the time so my wife at home made things easier,” he added.
“But I went through a lot in my marriage and I ended up leaving the marriage and then I became homeless.
“I was sleeping on buses, in the cold, park benches in the UK; no bathing or brushing. It was hard but it a stage in my life that made me who I am now. I was hurt but not depressed.
“The situation got to me when a woman who recognised me as an actor advised that I should eat well so my face can look better.
“At one point I begged for money on the road to make a call. After getting the money, I went to the phone booth and I called Tosin Abiola who offered me a place and I got me off the street.”
Awomodu began his acting career while studying at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, after joining Wale Adenuga Productions.
He landed his first role in ‘No Pain, No Gain’ and went on to feature in several films including ‘Disoriented Generation’ (2009), ‘Ofin Kokanla’ (2005), and ‘L’ako Lawa’ (2006) before relocating abroad.
He remarried and now has four children with his wife.
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