Bola Afolabi
As a young girl, Jumoke George was once thrown into the street by her father. The Ibadan, Oyo State-born veteran actress had repeated dispute with her stepmother, as a result of which the father, a military man, threw her out. The actress who was in the secondary school then had to find consolation with some of her friends.
But if she eventually conquered the adversity of homelessness then, the saga has returned to her life. The versatile actress who played exciting roles in films like ‘The Wedding Party’, ‘Japa’, ‘The Carpenter’, ‘Eekean Soso’ and Maleeka’, has again been thrown out – now by her landlord. This time, she has been living in a church since six years ago.
George has just told her story in profuse tears, adding tales of woes of ill health, indebtedness and the possible trafficking of her first born: 41-year-old Adeola, whom she says has been missing since four years ago.
The actress who attended Command Children School Ann’s Barracks Yaba, Lagos; the Army Children School Kano; the Anglican Grammar School, Orita Mefa, Ibadan and Government Technical College, Osogbo where she studied Business Administration, revealed these and more in a moving interview on the TalkToB show.
She noted: “There are some things that are embarrassing to say but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working but it’s not like I get jobs every time.
“I went to another location but I couldn’t work. They had to bring me back because of my health. I’ve done several tests. I was told to do some more which will cost about N400,000. I don’t know where to get the money from.
George said: “Daddy told me to bring my things to a place he got for me but it was too small, it couldn’t even contain my things, so I had to put my luggage with different people. The things I worked for all my life were just getting spoiled.
“I was given a small room to manage, so I didn’t let people know where I was staying, except a few people who I didn’t even take to the room.
“Everyone in the church has access to the room. I only welcomed guests in daddy’s living room downstairs where they hold events like harvest.
“So, I’ve been living in the church for about six years. This is where I put my mattress to sleep,” she said pointing at a space on the floor inside the church.
“It’s mummy church that gives me food to eat most times. Daddy died about two years ago, mummy church has also been trying. She buys drug for me and boils herbs for me.
“She was in Ibadan where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hasn’t seen Deola who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her.
“Then one day she called me with a strange number, I had no idea where she was calling from, she said I should forgive her. I asked to know where she was, she said I should just forgive her that she doesn’t know where her journey will lead her to.
“Since then, I haven’t heard anything from her. I’m the one taking care of her children because I’ve not seen the father of the children since they separated when the children were younger. I don’t have his number, I don’t know his town, I don’t know where to find him. She was born in 1984, she clocked 41 on May 1, this year. If she was here, at least we’ll be managing together.”
Additionally, Jumoke said her son, Ife, has borrowed nearly N2 million to support her medical treatment and upkeep.
“He has borrowed a lot to transfer to me. The money he has borrowed for me is close to N2 million. I’m worried about him. Let them not sack him at work.
“His salary is small but he has been trying to take care of me. He is searching relentlessly for his sister too. Pain Is Not Good.
“Please pray for me, mothers in this world. Help me with your prayers. I need prayers. I have never ruined anyone life. I am tired, I can no longer bare it. No house, nothing, and a whole child is missing. Pain is not good. Please people pray for me.”
George got into acting at age eight by a family friend. She did stage drama with National Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan. She enrolled in a drama troupe at NTA Ibadan. Under the sponsorship of Victor Ashaolu, George entered the Yoruba movie industry.
After an inability to progress in the film industry, George became a member of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN). George anchored 5 live programs which kept her very busy as away from acting.