Ezekiel Atilola, Actor-turned-okada Rider, Begs for Financial Support

Nollywood actor Kunle Afod has issued a public appeal on behalf of Ezekiel Atilola, his veteran colleague widely known as Tombolo.

In an interview shared on his Instagram page, Afod highlighted the Yoruba actor’s financial struggles, calling on the public to offer support.

During the conversation, Atilola, who began his theatre career in 1984 and starred in several Yoruba films including ‘Tombolo’, opened up about the harsh realities of his life.

He said despite his long-standing dedication to the industry, he has never produced a film of his own but harbors a deep-seated hope to do so if he could secure financial backing.

The veteran actor also spoke about the heavy burden of his family responsibilities. He said he has found little financial help.

“I have faith in theatre and I really like theatre,” he said.

“There is no one to help me. I am the only boy my mother gave birth to, and I have three elder sisters. I am the only one people really know, and there is no money with them either.”

Tombolo said he uses his okada business to provide for himself and his family. He also disclosed that he recently sold his motorcycle to pay for his daughter’s education at a polytechnic.

He said the motorcycle he currently operates was acquired through an installment arrangement, adding that he pays N30,000 weekly.

He said he has been making the payments since January, when he collected the bike, which costs N1.5 million.

Afod then asked him to share his account details while appealing to the public to assist Tombolo.

Tombolo made the news in 2023 after he was spotted in viral footage riding a bike.