Veteran Nollywood actor Femi Branch has opened up about a life-altering incident that almost ended his acting career and left him physically impaired for two years.
In an interview with Oyinmomo TV, the respected actor recounted the terrifying experience that occurred during the filming of his debut Yoruba movie. A stunt, which he had confidently prepared for due to his martial arts background, went terribly wrong on the second night of the shoot.
Despite thorough rehearsals, the scene didn’t unfold as expected, resulting in a severe injury that dramatically altered the course of his career.
Femi Branch revealed that he landed badly during the stunt, resulting in the fracture of nine bones—five in one leg and four in the other. The swelling was so intense that his boots had to be cut off to release his legs.
Initially taken to a hospital in Ikorodu, Branch’s treatment was overshadowed by suspicions of malpractice, leading him to seek help elsewhere. He eventually turned to a traditional bone-setter for proper care.
The severity of his injuries left him unable to walk for two years. During this challenging period, he was forced to sell all his possessions—including his mother’s car—just to survive and afford basic needs.
Reflecting on the incident, Branch attributed it to spiritual attacks, revealing that several pastors had warned him against taking part in the project, but he chose to proceed nonetheless.
He said: “Something happened when I was shooting my first movie. It was a Yoruba movie. On the second night, I had rehearsed my part, but because it involved a lot of stunts and I’m already used to it because I’m a martial arts student. So when we were shooting, I tried performing a stunt, but something held my legs and I failed. When I landed, I broke my bones — both legs. Nine bones were broken in total (five bones on one leg and four bones on the other). And for two years, I couldn’t walk. I sold all my properties so that I could feed, including my mother’s car.”
“I would say the incident was spiritual because I said something held my legs mid-air. Also, a pastor called me from Abuja and told me that he saw a revelation about me. He said I want to do a job, but I shouldn’t make it loud and shouldn’t tell anyone about the job. But I ignored his warning. That time, I was already planning on the movie shoot, but I didn’t take the message seriously because I thought it wasn’t related to my job. Also, another friend of mine called me, that his pastor told him the same thing. That they just started the spiritual attacks and that if I don’t leave, more attacks are coming. That is what made me leave the Yoruba Nollywood movie industry. I left because of spiritual attacks.”
Watch interview below