Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi has slammed people who tell her she does not look sick despite her ongoing battle with lupus.
The actress, in a social media post, said those who have never experienced the fear of not knowing if they would wake up the next day should not question the severity of her condition.
Kemi revealed that she has endured many situations in the past for the sake of peace but can no longer do so because of their impact on her health.
According to her, medical confirmation shows that trauma and emotional stress have contributed to her health challenges by triggering inflammation and chronic lupus flares.
She wrote, “Please don’t ever tell me, ‘But you don’t look sick.’ I have nothing to prove to anyone. Opinions don’t pay bills.
“Trauma accelerates autoimmune disease and triggers inflammation that causes chronic lupus flares for me every day.
“I know for a fact I am not operating off my own strength. Na Baba God dey run am.”
Kemi Afolabi has continued to speak openly about her battle with lupus and the challenges it has brought her.
The Yoruba actress revealed that 2026 has been particularly difficult, with a severe lupus flare-up leading to multiple surgeries. She also praised her daughter for standing by her through the difficult period.
Afolabi has repeatedly expressed gratitude to her fans for their love and support, saying they give her the strength to keep fighting.
In 2023, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with lupus and was told she had five years to live. She later revealed that the illness triggered anxiety, exhaustion and depression, but said the support of loved ones helped her through the difficult period.
Despite her health struggles, Kemi has maintained a strong outlook, insisting that her challenges cannot break or humble her.