Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Opens Up About Life-Threatening Surgery, Urges People to Prioritize Their Health
Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has shared the harrowing experience that led to her recent surgery, stressing the importance of taking health seriously.
In an interview with Punch, the actress revealed that while her surgery might not sound life-threatening to some, it was the most serious medical challenge she had ever faced.
Omotola explained that months of relentless work and extreme stress finally took a toll on her body. She was rushed to the emergency room several times before doctors confirmed she needed immediate surgery—a moment that left her terrified.
She recalled noticing a scar on her stomach post-surgery and learning that her gallbladder had become too enlarged to be removed through keyhole surgery.
Reflecting on her ordeal, she said:
“For some, it might not seem life-threatening, but for me, it was the first time I faced something of that magnitude. I had been working non-stop—editing my films Mother’s Love and RR across two continents, sleeping barely two hours a day. My body finally gave out. After multiple emergency visits, I was told I needed surgery immediately. It was shocking and frightening. My husband wasn’t around, and my children were scared.”
She continued,
“After surgery, I noticed a scar, and the surgeon explained why keyhole surgery wasn’t an option due to the size of my gallbladder. It was overwhelming. My message to everyone is simple: if you feel sharp pains in your chest, back, or stomach, don’t wait. Get a CT scan or MRI right away. Don’t ignore your body the way I did.”
Omotola’s story is a stark reminder of how even seemingly minor symptoms can signal serious health issues and the importance of listening to your body before it’s too late.
