Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has once again opened up about her prolonged struggle with uterine fibroids, revealing that she may need to undergo a third surgical procedure to address the persistent condition that has plagued her for nearly a decade.
The revelation came through a candid comment on social media, where Adetiba responded to fellow actress Ini Dima-Okojie’s advocacy post about fibroid awareness. Writing with evident frustration, Adetiba stated, “I’ve had surgery twice for this already, and it now seems I might need a third. Sigh.”
This latest disclosure marks a continuation of Adetiba’s public battle with the condition, which she first brought to light in 2015. At that time, the acclaimed director described her situation as a “severe case” that had previously required emergency medical intervention, highlighting the potentially life-threatening nature of her condition.
Adetiba’s willingness to discuss her health struggles publicly adds to a growing chorus of Nigerian women in the entertainment industry who are breaking the silence around reproductive health issues. Her response came in support of Dima-Okojie’s Instagram post, where the actress had shared a personal video about her own fibroid experience, accompanied by the caption: “We NEED a cure for fibroids. In the meantime, I hope every woman dealing with it is hanging in there. Just know that you are not alone.”
The filmmaker’s health challenges have not deterred her professional achievements. Despite managing her condition, Adetiba has solidified her position as one of Nigeria’s most successful directors, with her latest project, “To Kill A Monkey,” currently streaming on Netflix since its July 18 premiere.
The six-part mini-series follows Efemini, a struggling protagonist whose encounter with an old friend leads him down a morally complex path into cybercrime. The show explores themes of moral compromise and consequence as the character navigates increasingly difficult choices to maintain his new lifestyle.
Adetiba’s career trajectory demonstrates remarkable resilience and versatility. A University of Lagos law graduate who later studied at the New York Film Academy, she began her media career in radio before transitioning to television presenting. She notably hosted the popular dance competition “Maltina Dance All” before establishing herself as a formidable force in Nigerian cinema.
Her openness about her medical condition serves a dual purpose: normalizing conversations around women’s reproductive health while demonstrating that chronic conditions need not define career limitations. As she continues to produce compelling content for both local and international audiences, Adetiba’s story resonates with countless women facing similar health challenges.
The filmmaker’s situation also underscores the broader healthcare challenges facing women dealing with fibroids, a condition that affects millions globally but remains under-researched and often inadequately treated. Her continued advocacy through personal disclosure contributes to much-needed awareness about this prevalent but frequently overlooked women’s health issue.
As Adetiba contemplates the possibility of another surgical intervention, her professional momentum remains undiminished, serving as an inspiration to others managing chronic health conditions while pursuing ambitious career goals.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba’s public disclosure about potentially needing a third fibroid surgery highlights two critical points: the persistent, recurring nature of this common women’s health condition that affects millions globally, and the importance of breaking the silence around reproductive health issues.
Despite facing a decade-long battle with severe fibroids requiring multiple surgeries, Adetiba continues to thrive professionally with her latest Netflix series, “To Kill A Monkey,” demonstrating that chronic health conditions don’t have to derail career ambitions.
Her openness contributes to much-needed awareness about fibroids—a condition that remains under-researched and inadequately treated despite its widespread impact on women’s lives.
