Ifeanyi Ezeokeke, known as 'Ugo Shave Me,' has been bedridden for nearly 19 years

A video of Nollywood actor Ifeanyi Ezeokeke, known as “Ugo Shave Me,” has appeared online, asking for help as he struggles with his health.

Mr Ezeokeke was a well-known child actor in the late 90s and early 2000s. He has been dealing with an undisclosed illness that has left him bedridden and away from acting for many years.

A viral video shared on Wednesday by social media influencer Emmanuel Okwuluora showed the actor sitting with his mother and Mr Okwuluora. He looked weak and frail.

19 years of health issues

Mr Okwuluora claimed that Ezeokeke has been fighting this illness for about 19 years. He also said that the actor lost his father due to his health struggles. Mr Ezeokeke's mother, who was injured in a road accident, now has a metal implant in her leg. She has been finding it hard to care for him alone.

Mr Okwuluora mentioned that Ezeokeke has not been to the hospital since his health worsened. He said, “This guy has been down for the last 19 years. Nollywood is known for people dying at their prime. Ifeanyi has not really gone to the hospital due to poverty, because of his condition, his father died, and his mother had an accident. Ifeanyi wants to be fine. Their environment is not conducive, but this guy has been lying down here for the past 19 years.” He called on Nollywood actors and kind-hearted Nigerians to support Mr Ezeokeke.

Before his health challenges

Before his health issues, Mr Ezeokeke was one of the most recognizable child actors in Nollywood's golden era. He became famous after starring in the 1999 classic movie Conspiracy, which is still remembered as one of the standout films from that time.

He earned the nickname “Ugo Shave Me” from a popular line in the movie. Even after more than twenty years, many Nigerians still remember him by that name instead of his real name. In Conspiracy, he acted alongside notable stars like Onyeka Onwenu, Nkem Owoh, Charles Okafor, Larry Koldsweat, and Chris Erakpotobor, directed by Chimdi Chiama and Ndubuisi Okoh.

Apart from Conspiracy and its sequel, Mr Ezeokeke was in many other Nollywood films during his childhood, including Tears & Sorrows (2002) and Egg of Life (2003).

Ongoing health concerns

Concerns about Ezeokeke’s health have been around for some time. In 2020, actors Diewait Ipechukwu and Ejike Okoye asked for help after visiting him and sharing photos showing him in a weakened state.

More videos and photos of the actor have circulated online, showing him in poor health. However, the exact details of his illness have never been made public.