ANTP Debunks Cancer Rumours As Actor Wale Elesho Undergoes Facial Surgery

The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners has dismissed rumours that veteran actor Adewale Elesho is suffering from cancer, saying the actor recently underwent a successful operation and is recovering.

Elesho, who is the immediate past president of the association, had attracted public concern after an injury on his face was noticed during the burial of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State.

The visible injury prompted speculation on social media, with some reports claiming that the actor could be suffering from skin cancer.

However, the ANTP said the claims were unfounded and urged members of the public to disregard the speculation surrounding Elesho’s health.

The association’s National Publicity Secretary, Oluwafemi Adejonwo, popularly known as Femson, disclosed that the actor had undergone an operation and was doing well.

He said Elesho was stable and recuperating following the procedure, while expressing appreciation to people who had contacted the actor’s colleagues and family out of concern.

The association did not disclose the exact nature of the medical procedure performed on Elesho or provide details about the injury that led to the operation.

It also did not confirm any diagnosis of skin cancer, stressing that the information circulating online was speculation.

In a subsequent update, Adejonwo said the actor’s operation had been successful and appealed to the public to continue praying for his speedy recovery.

The development comes shortly after the death of Ogogo, another veteran figure in the Yoruba film industry. Elesho was among several prominent actors who attended activities organised during Ogogo’s final days.

The situation has once again highlighted concerns over the spread of unverified health information about public figures, particularly through social media.

The ANTP urged members of the public to rely on credible information concerning Elesho’s condition rather than sharing unconfirmed reports.

Elesho is a respected figure in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry, with a career spanning several decades. He has featured in numerous Yoruba-language productions and has played a prominent role in professional activities within the theatre practitioners’ community.

His tenure as president of the ANTP also saw him engage in efforts aimed at promoting the interests and welfare of theatre practitioners across the country.

Following the successful operation, colleagues and admirers have continued to express concern and send messages of support to the veteran actor.

The association said Elesho remained stable and was responding well as he recovered.

It reiterated that there was no basis for the cancer rumours and appealed to Nigerians to respect the actor’s privacy while wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

The development has brought relief to fans and colleagues who had become concerned after the circulation of the alarming reports about his health.