24th December, 2023
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Ezekiel Atilola, a Yoruba movie actor who played a lead role in the popular Yoruba movie ‘Tombolo’, has become a commercial motorcyclist popularly called Okada Rider.
Atilola, who starred in several other Yoruba films, was spotted in viral photos and videos riding a bike in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
In the footage, the actor wore a native dress with a helmet on his head and a cardigan wrapped around his neck.
It was alleged that he has made ends meet as a bike rider since 2013 in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
In another clip, Atitola was seen pleading to Nigerians for help.
“I am the one. I am Tombolo,” he said while responding to questions from an interviewer.
When asked why he resorted to riding a bike, Atilola said: “Everything in this life is in God’s hand. And a man must not run beyond his destiny. Because God holds all things. He distributes it as he likes”.
“He is merciful. I know that one day God will show me mercy. I ask for mercy. I do tell God to tear off my mockery clothes.”
Reacting to the viral photos via Instagram, Jaywon, the Nigerian singer, promised to assist the ace actor with N200,000.
Jaywon also shared a video call conversation with Atitola, wherein the actor was seen walking inside a house with a leaking roof.
He also called on the public to help Atilola.
“Special appreciation goes to those who send me a DM. My team, @iledarefoundation, is now in contact with Mr. Ezekiel Atilola, a popular Yoruba actor in the TOMBOLO movie, and some money has already been sent to him,” Jaywon wrote.
“We appeal to the general public to come to his aid.”