Nollywood actor Muyiwa Ademola has written an ode to his colleague, Odunlade Adekola.
In a lengthy post on his social media page, he recounted how Odunlade reached out to him in December 2024 to star in his movie, Olori Ogun. He said filming was scheduled for February 2025, but an impromptu trip to Canada came up.
He said he gave Odun his word that he would be back before filming, and Odun held to his word despite the speculation that emerged.
Muyiwa said that when he returned, he went straight to set despite feeling sickly and nearly collapsing, but Odunlade helped him and rushed him to the hospital.
“An Ode to Odunlade Adekola.
This is a bit profound.
It is deep and personal, but I need to share it.
Please, read with your heart.
My amazing brother: Odun told me about Olori Ogun in December, 2024. Filming was scheduled for Feb. 2025. All preparations were made.
Pre-production started in top gear, then an impromptu but ultimately important trip popped up for me.
I had to be in Canada by Jan., so I gave Odun my word that I would be back for the job by God’s Grace.
Filming started. Odun’s costar was far away in Canada, so he couldn’t be around to acclimatise himself to the character. Speculations began to emerge that I wouldn’t be back on time for the job. But Odun held on to my words of honour.
Several weeks into filming, after managing several hiccups my absence caused and several mendings from the entire team, I arrived.
I was in costumes for my very first scene.
Got prepped for my first appearance in the film. Alas, I started feeling dizzy and weak; my hands were shaking.
Sweat all over me in an open space; my legs couldn’t carry me anymore.
I leaned on a wall (the posted pic)—my P. A gave me a chair; I felt like I should be naked. It was like even my skin was preventing air from reaching me.
Then I was fading off; I was about to collapse when Odun noticed and quickly came. He held me and quickly told someone to bring a mat.
I lay flat, helplessly; I couldn’t talk, couldn’t coordinate a thing.
I was hearing people’s voices from afar.
They’ve been panicking.
I beckoned to Oloyo, my PA; he sat beside me. I wanted to tell him to call my wife, but I was too weak to. I faded off!
Knock-off Duration: Unknown! Maybe hours!
When I came by, Odun and the crew arranged to take me to the hospital; I declined.
I said I was ready for work. Odun, the crew, and the elders on set insisted I shouldn’t work. I argued it was just a heat wave, as I had just arrived from Canada, a very cold region, but I lied!
Fortunately, my first scene had no lines.
I was just there, shaking. I was in pain, hid my tears, trying to be like the character I played.
After each cut, they would offer me a chair to sit; I managed like a toddler”.
