Kayode Odumosu, popularly called Pa Kasumu, a veteran Nollywood star walked slowly into his living room after having his afternoon shower. His steps were painful and deliberate, as he tried to get his eyes accustomed to the dimly-lit living room.
He smelt fresh, though his face still had drops of water drizzling unto the cape of his white Kaftan. After a while, he wiped off the drizzle on his forehead with his left hand. It was Christmas day, but there was nothing in the household of the popular actor to suggest that there was anything merry in the day. Save for a few visitors, who paid him a visit that day, Pa Kasumu slept throughout Christmas, only getting up in the evening to take a shower and attend to his health.
When newsmen visited his one-bedroom apartment on Alayaki Street in a rundown neighbourhood of Mushin, Lagos, Pa Kasumu said although the worst seems over, he is still very ill.
“I am seeing two of you as we speak. My left pupil is bad. When I turn my eyes, it goes straight into my eyelid and it is very painful. There are still so many issues wrong, which I think a proper medical help outside the country can fix. But today, what I desire most are the prayers of Nigerians, which I believe are the most important,” he said.
About two months ago, Pa Kasumu was diagnosed with different kinds of ailment and has appealed to kind-hearted Nigerians to help him offset his huge medical bills. Although about N5 million was raised for the ailing actor, it was far from what he actually needed. However, the Ogun State-born A-list actor is weary of calling Nigerians for help as some have abused that opportunity.
“I am very careful about talking to journalists. Many of them, who have come here, write derogatory things about me and my family, but they claim they are trying to help me. What I will appeal for is prayers from Nigerians, because that is what I need now. If there is help for me to travel abroad, that will be welcome,” he added.
