The Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has debunked reports claiming that veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo has passed away.
Recall that celebrity journalist and Chairman of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oleketuyi, had earlier announced the de@th of the movie star in an Instagram post on Saturday.
According to Oleketuyi, Paimo, a cultural icon, survived a stroke twice before his demise.
He wrote, “Chief Lere Paimo (MON) is de@d. Baba d!ed at age 86.
“A strong man. Baba survived a stroke twice.
“May Baba’s soul rest in peace.”
However, the ANTP, in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, and released on Saturday, confirmed that the actor, popularly known as Baba Eda Onile Ola, is alive and in good health.
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.”
ANTP urged the public to verify information before sharing unconfirmed reports, warning against the spread of misinformation.
“We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation,” the statement said.
