Fake death reports are sadly rampant in the media, often causing unnecessary panic among fans and confusion for those concerned. In the fast-paced world of Nigerian entertainment, celebrities frequently find themselves at the center of rumors and false reports. Here are several instances where Nigerian celebrities have been falsely pronounced dead:
1. **Olu Jacobs**
Just yesterday, June 30, 2024, Nollywood veteran Olu Jacobs was pronounced dead on social media, causing grief among his fans. However, his wife, Joke Silva, and his family later debunked the reports and posted a video to prove he was alive and well. Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw also took to social media to debunk the reports. This wasn’t the first time Olu Jacobs was rumored to have passed away; similar false reports surfaced in 2020.
2. **Zack Orji**
Nollywood veteran Zack Orji recently fell victim to false social media claims of his death. In December 2023, he slumped in his toilet at home, was rushed to the hospital, and admitted to the ICU. In March 2024, he was reported dead, but the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, debunked the claims.
3. **Ngozi Ezeonu**
In January 2024, Nollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu posted a picture of a half-burnt candle on Instagram, leading to fake death reports. She clarified that she had lost a close friend, not her life. She criticized the media for not confirming the story before posting.
4. **Tony Umez**
In September 2023, Nollywood actor Tony Umez was rumored to have passed away, breaking the hearts of his fans. He took to Instagram to address the issue, calling out those spreading the rumors for clickbait and assuring his fans he was hale, healthy, and hearty. He also vowed to take legal action against the false narratives.
5. **Oladips**
Nigerian rapper Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, was reported dead by his management in December 2023. It was later perceived as a publicity stunt for his upcoming album, but Oladips clarified he was genuinely sick and unconscious for three days when pronounced dead.
6. **Chiwetalu Agu**
On February 24, 2020, veteran actor Chiwetalu Agu debunked death rumors circulating about him. He took to Instagram to urge his fans to report any false posts about his death.
7. **Hanks Anuku**
In 2020, Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku debunked rumors of his death, accusing the press of spreading false information.
8. **Angela Okorie**
In 2014, actress Angela Okorie was mistaken for another actress and declared dead on social media. She assured her fans she was alive and well, stating she was not dead but balling hard.
9. **Richard Mofe Damijo**
In 2016, actor Richard Mofe Damijo, aka RMD, was rumored to have died following a severe car accident in Delta State. He debunked the reports, stating he and his driver were kept alive by God’s grace.
10. **Skiibii**
Nigerian artist Adesope Olajide, aka Skiibii, faced fake death reports after blacking out and slumping in 2015. It became a scandal when it was found out he was not dead, and he was accused of faking his death to gain publicity in the music industry. However, he continued to pursue his passion and gained significant success by 2019.
These instances highlight the unfortunate trend of fake death reports in the Nigerian entertainment industry, causing unnecessary distress to celebrities and their fans alike.