Veteran Yoruba actor Lere Paimo has debunked widespread rumours of his death, reassuring fans that he is alive and in good health.
Reports falsely claiming that the legendary actor had passed away began circulating on Facebook late Friday, causing panic among admirers and colleagues.
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) swiftly addressed the misinformation in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Public Relations Officer, Adejonwo Oluwafemi (Femson).
The statement read:
“We would like to inform the public that reports circulating on Facebook about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are false. We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health. Please disregard these false reports and be aware that they are being spread by unscrupulous individuals.”
The association urged Nigerians to verify news before sharing, stressing the dangers of misinformation.
Shortly after, Lere Paimo himself appeared in a video to clear the air. Addressing the rumour, he said:
“The news that has been spreading since midnight also surprised me. Please stop spreading false rumours. Stop saying what isn’t good. I am perfectly alright. I am alive and well. Those wicked people spreading false reports about me since midnight, I won’t swear for them, but they will receive their reward. I am well. Anyone plotting my death will go instead.”
Born on November 19, 1939, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Chief Lere Paimo—popularly known as Baba Eda Onile Ola—is one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and film. A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), he remains a revered pillar of the Nigerian entertainment industry.