Veteran Nollywood actor, Yinka Quadri, has spoken about the distress caused by the false rumour of his death that spread across the internet in June.
The news, which shocked many of his fans and family members, claimed that the 65-year-old actor had passed away, sparking panic and concern.
In an exclusive interview with Oyinmomo TV, Quadri shared how the fake news affected him and his loved ones, especially his children who live abroad.
Quadri revealed that the rumour, although eventually debunked, caused unnecessary anxiety for his family.
“My children are overseas, and even though we talk regularly, they were still worried when they heard the news,” he said.
“They kept calling me every day to check if I was okay,” he continued.
Quadri, who is known for his outstanding contributions to the Nollywood film industry, said he initially laughed off the rumour.
“When I first saw the news, I said, ‘Weldone, you content creators’,” he recalled.
However, the actor explained that no one would ever be happy about such false reports, especially when they cause unnecessary worry for their loved ones.
Quadri also addressed the people behind the rumour, stating that he leaves their fate to God.
He expressed his disappointment that some individuals would go as far as spreading death rumours for personal gain, even if it caused sadness and distress to families.
Quadri’s family, including his children, became especially troubled by the news, as they were in regular communication with him.
Despite this, the actor reassured his fans through his verified Instagram page, where he confirmed that he was “alive and well.”
He said, “I leave the person behind the rumours to God’s judgment.”
The news of Quadri’s supposed death spread like wildfire, causing widespread panic on social media.
This isn’t the first time a Nigerian celebrity has been the victim of death rumours, which seem to circulate more frequently in the age of social media.
While many fans were quick to offer prayers and tributes, Quadri’s children were left deeply distressed by the event, which led to them constantly checking in on him.
“It was a stage where everybody became troubled,” Quadri explained.
“The calls became frequent. Morning, afternoon, and night, they were calling to confirm my well-being,” he added.
The actor described the incident as emotionally draining for his family, especially since they had no idea who was behind the rumour.
Quadri admitted that although he was disappointed, he understood that such things are part of the public life he chose.
However, he stressed that the psychological toll on families of celebrities should not be underestimated.
“The emotional impact is always heavy when you see people you love in distress over such a thing,” he said.
His fans were also quick to show their support when the rumour surfaced, with many expressing their relief when he clarified that he was safe.
“Thank God you’re alive. We were so worried,” one fan wrote in a comment on his Instagram post.
Despite the distress, Quadri took the opportunity to reflect on the negative impact of spreading false information.
“This kind of thing is not just about me; it affects the people around me. I hope those who are behind this kind of news realise the harm it causes,” he added.
The actor’s statement serves as a reminder of the power of social media and how false information can quickly spiral out of control.
Quadri’s message to his fans was clear: while he is thankful for their concern, he hopes the situation serves as a lesson for everyone to be more mindful of the news they consume and share.
He also took a moment to express his gratitude for the continuous love and support he has received from his fans, who were deeply relieved to hear that the news of his death was not true.
Quadri’s experience highlights the growing issue of celebrity death rumours in Nigeria, which have become an unfortunate part of the digital age.
Many celebrities have voiced concerns over the damaging effects of such rumours, which can spread rapidly through social media platforms.
In some cases, these rumours are even used as a tool for gaining attention or creating controversy, making it even harder to separate truth from fiction.
For Quadri, the emotional toll of the rumour was far more significant than any temporary attention it may have gained for the person behind it.
He hopes that his ordeal will encourage others to think twice before spreading or believing such harmful news.
As celebrities continue to navigate the challenges of public life, they also face the reality of having their personal lives and well-being questioned by the public.
Quadri’s message is one of resilience, and he is determined not to let this experience define him.
“I am alive and well, and I thank God for my life,” he said.
