According to The Nation, Veteran Yoruba actor Tajudeen Oyewole, known as Abija, recently shared the profound impact of a personal tragedy on his life and career. The 66-year-old actor recounted the death of his wife and two children as the most sorrowful event he has ever experienced. The loss, he said, led him into a deep depression that significantly affected his professional life.
Oyewole recalled the devastating incident occurring just days before the Sallah festival. He had prepared for the celebration by purchasing a ram for his family, anticipating a joyous occasion. However, fate had different plans. As a committed actor, he had to travel from his home in Ibadan to perform in a stage play in Lalupon, Iwo, and other towns. The performance was scheduled for the evening, but due to the travel distance, he set off in the morning after praying with his family and wishing them a happy celebration.
Upon arriving at the performance location in Lalupon, Oyewole was surprised to see his younger brother, who he had left at home, already at the venue. His brother informed him that his wife had fallen critically ill and needed urgent surgery. Given the late hour, Oyewole decided to wait until the next day to return home, unaware of the gravity of the situation.
During the night, his brother disclosed to Oyewole’s colleagues at the event that his wife had already passed away. This news, however, had not reached Oyewole himself until he returned home. The actor described the shock and devastation he felt upon finding his wife’s lifeless body at home.
This tragic event not only marked the saddest moment of Oyewole’s life but also had a lasting impact on his mental health and career. The bout of depression that followed made it difficult for him to continue his work as an actor, illustrating the profound and far-reaching effects of personal loss.
He said: “I was shocked to see him at the show. He told me that my wife was critically ill, and the doctor told him she needed an operation to survive the sickness.
“I told him (my brother) that it was too late to travel back home. I suggested we leave the location before daybreak the next day. I did not know that my wife was dead.
“Meanwhile, he already announced the death of my wife to many of my colleagues at that event. Getting home, I met the corpse of my lovely wife.”….Seē _ Morē