Popular Nigerian actor, Ernest Asuzu, who is currently making headlines after a video surfaced online showing the shirtless actor begging for alms on the streets of Lagos has come out to defend his action.
The actor, who often starred alongside actor, Jim Iyke said he went shirtless not because he was mentally derailed, but because he needed help for his medical condition.
In a new video clip, Asuzu said he deliberately removed his shirt so that Nollywood practitioners would feel his pain. He also solicited financial assistance from well-meaning Nigerians to enable him to take care of his medical bills.
Video Shows Ernest Asuzu Begging For Alms
Days back, a man who identified himself as John Louis on Instagram shared a video of Asuzu where he was shirtless and begging for alms on the streets of Lagos. The actor was barely recognizable in the video. Louis said he found the actor begging for alms on the streets of Oke-Afa in Isolo, Lagos.
The actor who suffered a stroke some years ago was seen in the video nodding in affirmation. Asuzu also looked dazed and disoriented in the video. “So we are calling on Nollywood to come and assist their member. It is not only to act the film, but this guy also cannot even walk,” Louis said in the video.
Also known as ‘El Cream’, Ernest was also a rapper, producer and director. His career ran out of steam a few years ago after suffering a stroke in the year 2015. He was confined to bed due to the illness for 3 years.
Ernest Asuzu began his acting career in the 1990s and gained prominence after playing a role in “Another campus Queen”. He has appeared in over 100 films such as ‘Royal War’, ‘Ogidan’, ‘Longing’, ‘Endless’, ‘Big Day’, ‘Last Wedding’, ‘Ugonna’ and ‘Labista’. The latter earned him the best supporting actor at the African Movie Academy Awards.
Watch the video below;