Veteran actor Lere Paimo has released a video confirming he is alive, after false reports of his death went viral.
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) had earlier dismissed the rumours, which began trending on Facebook on Friday night.
In a statement on Saturday, signed by ANTP’s National Public Relations Officer Adejonwo Oluwafemi, popularly known as Femson, the group said:
“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 also urged the public to verify information before sharing, adding:
“We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation.”
In videos shared online, Lere Paimo himself addressed the rumours:
“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 report 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, Lere Paimo, also known as Baba Eda Onile Ola, is a respected actor and filmmaker. Honoured with the national award of MFR, he remains one of the pillars of Yoruba theatre.
