The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has dismissed reports suggesting that veteran Nollywood actor Adewale Elesho is battling skin cancer, following his recent facial surgery.
Concern about the actor's health emerged after a noticeable injury or growth was spotted on his face during the funeral activities for late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State. Images of Elesho subsequently circulated on social media, prompting speculation about his condition.
The ANTP, however, said the cancer claims were speculative and urged members of the public not to draw conclusions about the actor's health based on photographs or social media comments.
The association's National Publicity Secretary, Oluwafemi Adejonwo, popularly known as Femson, confirmed that Elesho had undergone surgery and that the procedure was successful.
According to Adejonwo, the actor is currently stable and recuperating following the operation. He also thanked Nigerians, colleagues and fans who reached out with calls, prayers and messages of concern.
“By God's grace, his operation was successful. He is doing well and recovering,” Adejonwo said in an update shared on social media.
The association did not disclose the specific nature of the facial condition that required surgery. It also did not confirm that Elesho had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
The cancer speculation began after fans noticed a visible growth close to the actor's right eye during a gathering organised by Nollywood practitioners for Ogogo. Some social media users expressed concern and urged the veteran actor to seek medical attention, while others speculated about possible skin cancer without medical evidence.
The concerns intensified after Elesho was seen at Ogogo's burial ceremonies, where the mark on his face was again noticeable.
Elesho had also acknowledged during the funeral activities that he was not in the best of health, further increasing public concern about his condition.
The ANTP has now appealed to the public to disregard unverified reports about the actor's health and continue praying for his complete recovery.
The development has brought relief to fans and colleagues who had expressed concern after the images of Elesho circulated online.
Elesho is one of the respected veterans of the Nigerian theatre and film industry, with a career spanning several decades. His work in Yoruba-language theatre and Nollywood has earned him a strong following among generations of Nigerian film audiences.
For now, the association has confirmed only that the actor underwent a successful operation and is recovering. There is no official confirmation that he has cancer.
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