Nollywood actor and producer Kunle Afod has publicly debunked widespread rumours that legendary Yoruba film icon Lere Paimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” had died. The rumour, which circulated early Saturday morning on social media, claimed that the veteran actor passed away at the age of 86.
However, Afod took to his Instagram page later in the day to confirm that Lere Paimo is alive and well, calling the reports false, misleading, and damaging. His statement helped calm the confusion and panic that had spread among fans, colleagues, and members of the movie industry.
Afod expressed disappointment over how quickly unverified information can spread on social media, especially when it concerns the health or death of respected public figures. He described the rumour as an example of how harmful fake news can be, and he urged Nigerians to always verify information before sharing it.
The false report began circulating on various social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp groups, and X (formerly Twitter). As the rumour spread, many Nigerians, particularly fans of Yoruba movies, began posting tributes and condolence messages online.
Some users even shared old photos and video clips of the actor, mistakenly believing they were celebrating his legacy. Within a few hours, screenshots of the rumour had gone viral, prompting confusion and sorrow among people who knew the actor or admired his decades-long contribution to the entertainment industry.
The lack of an official announcement from the family or his representatives further added to the uncertainty. It was not until Kunle Afod spoke out that the rumour began to lose traction.
In a short Instagram video, Afod confirmed that he had personally reached out to people close to Lere Paimo to verify the truth. After receiving confirmation that the actor was alive, he decided to go public to stop the spread of the misinformation.
According to Afod, spreading false news, especially about someone’s death, is irresponsible and deeply hurtful to the individual, their family, and the community. He condemned the act strongly and warned people to be more careful with what they share online.
He wrote on Instagram:
“Please stop spreading false news. Baba Lere Paimo is alive. Let us always verify information before posting. These rumours are dangerous and unnecessary.”
His statement was widely shared and helped correct the false report across different platforms.
Lere Paimo is one of the most respected figures in the Yoruba film industry. Born in 1939, he is known for his powerful performances in traditional Yoruba plays, television dramas, and films dating back to the 1960s. His famous role as “Eda Onile Ola” in a classic Yoruba stage play earned him nationwide recognition and cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Over the years, Paimo has won various awards for his acting and contributions to the development of Yoruba arts. He is also regarded as a mentor by many young actors, some of whom he trained during his work with theatre groups and in the early days of Yoruba filmmaking.
Because of his legendary status and long career, false news about his death quickly gained attention, leading to widespread emotional reactions from fans.
After Afod’s clarification, several Nollywood stars and industry insiders began addressing the issue on their social media pages. Many expressed relief that the rumour was false, while others criticised those who rushed to share unverified news.
Some actors recalled past incidents where death rumours were spread about other celebrities, noting that such false information causes unnecessary panic and pain. They urged bloggers and social media users to act responsibly and prioritise accuracy over speed.
One Nollywood actress wrote:
“We thank God Baba Lere Paimo is alive. Please, let us stop this habit of posting bad news without confirming. It is unfair and dangerous.”
Another actor commented that the speed at which fake news travels shows the need for digital literacy and responsible online behaviour.
Nigeria has faced repeated issues with misinformation, especially on social media. With millions of people now relying on online platforms for news, false reports can spread within minutes before official sources have a chance to respond.
Death hoaxes, in particular, are common. Over the years, several Nigerian celebrities—including actors, musicians, and politicians—have been victims of similar false rumours. In many cases, these rumours originated from blogs seeking attention or from individuals eager to break “news” without verification.
Kunle Afod’s reaction has renewed conversations about the need for responsible digital practices in Nigeria. He stressed that people must learn to confirm information from reliable sources before reposting or broadcasting it.
He also pointed out that spreading unverified news about someone’s death can cause emotional trauma to the person involved and their loved ones. In some cases, such rumours have even led to panic among friends, colleagues, and community members.
Afod encouraged Nigerians to remember that every public figure is still a human being with family members who may feel hurt or worried when false information about their lives is circulated.
