Ex-Presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has given hope to actress Kemi Afolabi over her incurable ailment, Lupus.
Okupe, in an open letter, expressed that while Lupus is incurable, it is untrue that the actress has limited years to live.
“My dear Kemi, I read about your affliction with Lupus with much compassion. I was, however, saddened by your announcement that doctors told you that you have about five years to live. This is untrue. It is a lie of the devil,” the co-founder of Royal Cross Medical Centre noted.
Okupe also noted that though the ailment is incurable, there are cases of complete remissions.
“True Lupus is incurable but there are recorded cases of inexplicable complete remissions,” he said.
The former Special Assistant to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively further advised the ‘Modorisa’ actress to entrust her treatment and medical care in the hands of doctors and her faith in the Lord.
“Please entrust your treatment and medical care to your doctors but your length of days is totally in the hands of your Creator the Almighty Who is mightier than any disease and greater than any doctor.
“Also, I can tell you for a fact that I know people who have been living with Lupus for more than 10yrs.
N“They take their treatments faithfully but rely on God exclusively. Put your trust in God and Jesus, Whose name is above everything including Lupus, and you will receive mercy as I have received personally and others too,” he said.
Okupe prayed for Afolabi with the belief that she will come out of the ailment stronger.
Kemi Afolabi, had said her doctor told her that she has five more years to live and has spent one year already.
The 43-year-old actress disclosed this in a recent interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.
The actress also said she was diagnosed with lupus.
Afolabi made her debut in the Yoruba movie “Alagba”. However, to the surprise of many, she took a very long break away from the movie industry for nearly five years between 2008-2013.
She has featured in numerous Nigerian movies like ‘Gold Statue'(2019), ‘Capone’s Wife’ (2019), ‘Ayomi Sandra’ (2015), ‘Oreke mulero’ (2006), ‘Obinrin Ale Tinuke’ (2009), ‘Ayomi Sandra’ (2015), ‘Obinrin Ale Tinuke’ (2009) and ‘Omo pupa'(2008).
Lupus disease
Lupus is an autoimmune, and inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its tissues. It can also be referred to as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
The actress said the disease can only be managed through medication.
“I have lupus. It’s not curable. You just have to take medications for the rest of your life. I’ve spent over N1 million on treatment yet I did not get the desired result.”
She said her doctor had instructed her to stay around her loved ones since she has only but five years to live.
“Make sure you are with your loved ones. At least, you still have up to five years.”
The actress also stated that she was already prepared for death. She said she had prepared her will and booked a funeral ground for herself.
“I wrote my will and booked a space at Ebony vault in 2021 but God showed me how faithful He is despite my unfaithfulness. Who am I that God is so mindful of my existence? Me, ordinary sand? That was tossed around from a private hospital to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, to Army barracks hospital WAEC and finally LUTH where I spent over three months!”
Earlier in January, Afolabi took to Instagram to announce that she has been diagnosed with an incurable disease.
“Finally, I was diagnosed with a condition that has no cure but can be managed by medications and takes me in and out of the hospital at will (SLE).
“Fluid blocked my lungs, affected my heart from functioning well which was the reason for my breathlessness and that is caused by the condition diagnosed! Surgery was the only option to drain out the fluid fast,” she wrote.”
Weight gain
In October 2021, she shared a video on her Instagram where she registered her displeasure with those who chastised her for her weight gain.
In the post, she claimed that she had always dismissed criticisms and complaints about her weight gain.
The actress also expressed her dissatisfaction with the constant struggle to stay fit despite taking the medications.
Moved by her plight, her colleagues and fans have been offering words of encouragement and support to Kemi Afolabi..
Some of the reactions from celebrities and fans are as follow:
Lolamagret said: “By the special blood of Jesus you’re totally healed. That report is not yours”.
Kazimadeoti prayed: “May Allah be pleased with you and grant you mercy, peace and health”.
Authenticmuy wished: “Happy 100th birthday in advance with love from me and mine”.
Bimbo Afolayan, wrote, “I will never weep over you, Insha Allah. You will live long and you will be healthy by God’s grace.”
“You shall not die but live and (sic) proclaim the goodness of your father in heaven. Jesus has conquered the grave on your behalf, darling. 2092, you will still be here with us cracking chicken bones in Jesus’ name,” another actress, Lola Magret, wrote.
On his part, actor, Yomi Fabiyi, wrote, “O strong. God says discussion continues Omotibi. Much love I got for you.”
@the_beardedsina said: “I’m just trying to read through the thread on Kemi Afolabi’s interview on Lupus, it was touching. I am wondering on what basis a Doctor told her she has 5 more years to live. One can’t necessarily say how many years a Lupus patient has to live. the tests don’t determine longevity”
@callmesammylex: “This was when I last saw Kemi Afolabi when she visited the Lagos state university and was also the chief priestess of the theatre art students for last year induction ceremony, she was still looking agile and strong, I feel for her though buh I hope God take control here!!!”
@Tee_Classiquem1: “I heard Kemi Afolabi is battling with Lupus, I really hope she beat this phase by the grace of God, she’s one of the top Yoruba actress out there with talent and great potentials”
@michael_mickyt said: “Watching chude interview with Yoruba actress kemi Afolabi really got me emotional and sad, I pray she lives longer. Lupus disease is crazy and doesn’t have a cure.”
