ANTP Debunks Cancer Rumors as Actor Wale Elesho Undergoes Successful Facial Surgery

ANTP Debunks Cancer Rumors as Actor Wale Elesho Undergoes Successful Facial Surgery

Association confirms veteran actor is stable and recovering after operation, urges public to disregard unverified health claims

The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has officially dismissed widespread social media speculation that veteran actor and immediate past president of the association, Prince Adewale Adeoye Elesho, was battling skin cancer. The clarification comes after the actor successfully underwent facial surgery on Saturday, August 29, 2026, and is now reported to be stable and recuperating well at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State.

Concerns about Elesho’s health first emerged when a visible growth was noticed on the right side of his face during the burial rites of his colleague, veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24, 2026. The actor had attended the funeral despite admitting he was not in the best of health. Images and videos from the event quickly circulated online, prompting fans and colleagues to urge him to seek medical attention. The speculation intensified after social media users raised an alarm about the facial mark and urged Elesho to see a dermatologist immediately, pointing out the increased vulnerability of people with albinism to certain skin conditions. Many fans recalled noticing a similar but smaller mark on Elesho’s face during a movie production, noting that it had since grown significantly in size.

READ ALSO:

• Mother Arrested for Smuggling ‘Colos’ to Son on Death Row in Ogun Prison
• FG Opens N10 Billion TETFund Research Grant Applications — How Lecturers Can Apply
• US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island as war enters sixth month

In a statement shared on Facebook on Sunday, the ANTP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi, popularly known as Femson, confirmed that Elesho had undergone surgery and that the growth had been successfully removed. The association urged the public to disregard unverified claims about the actor’s health. The statement read, “We give all glory to God for the successful completion of his operation. In recent days, there have been several posts on social media concerning the health of our dear brother, Prince Adewale Adeoye Elesho, the immediate past President of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners – ANTP, with many speculations including skin cancer. We hereby confirm that the operation was successful. He is stable and recuperating well.” In a subsequent update, Femson added, “By God’s grace, his operation was successful. He is doing well and recovering. Thank you all for the calls, prayers and concern. We appreciate you. Continue to pray for his speedy recovery.”

The ANTP did not disclose the specific nature of Elesho’s operation or confirm that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. The association expressed gratitude to family members, colleagues, friends and well-wishers who had reached out to inquire about his condition and offered prayers. Elesho, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s traditional theatre and entertainment community, has been a respected member of the ANTP and served as its immediate past National President. The health concerns came during a period when the Nigerian entertainment industry was already rallying around Ogogo, who had been battling cancer.

While speaking at Ogogo’s funeral, Elesho described the late actor as a good and honourable person, using the Yoruba word “omoluabi” to sum up who Ogogo was to him. He also shared a personal story about how Ogogo once stood by him on a movie set when he was pressured to do something against his values, demonstrating the late actor’s loyalty and kindness. Despite experiencing his own health difficulties, Elesho still made the effort to attend the funeral and honour Ogogo, a decision that touched many people who witnessed his tribute.

The ANTP’s confirmation of Elesho’s successful surgery has brought relief to his supporters, with many well-wishers flooding social media to express their joy and continue praying for his full recovery. The association has urged members of the public to continue praying for the actor’s speedy recovery and to respect his privacy during this period.

ANTP Debunks Cancer Rumors as Actor Wale Elesho Undergoes Successful Facial Surgery