Veteran Nollywood actor Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya Igwe, has dismissed reports that he is seriously ill after a video showing him looking weak and unwell circulated on social media.
The viral footage, which emerged online last week, sparked concern among fans, colleagues and other social media users who expressed fears about the actor’s health.
However, Olaiya Igwe has now clarified that the video did not capture his actual health condition but was part of a movie production.
Reacting to the growing speculation, the veteran actor explained that the footage was recorded while he was on a movie set.
According to him, his appearance in the video was part of his acting role and should not have been interpreted as evidence that he was battling an illness.
Olaiya Igwe revealed that he was portraying the character of a sick father in the movie.
The clarification came after the video attracted widespread attention, with many viewers apparently unaware that the actor was performing a scripted role.
The veteran actor explained that his weak appearance in the footage was deliberately created for the film.
He said he was required to portray a father who was seriously unwell, meaning his physical appearance in the scene was intended to reflect the character he was playing.
The movie, according to Olaiya Igwe, was directed by veteran actor and filmmaker Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
His explanation has therefore put to rest concerns that the viral footage was recorded during a genuine health crisis.
The video had initially generated concern among fans because of the actor’s appearance.
In the footage, Olaiya Igwe appeared frail, leading some social media users to assume that he was dealing with a serious health challenge.
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As the clip circulated, discussions about the actor’s well-being gained momentum, with some people expressing prayers and concern for the veteran performer.
The incident once again highlighted how scenes from movie productions can sometimes be misunderstood when they are shared online without sufficient context.
Olaiya Igwe is one of the recognised veteran figures in the Nigerian film industry, particularly within Yoruba-language cinema.
Over the years, he has featured in numerous Nollywood productions and earned recognition for his versatility and ability to portray different characters.
His career has included roles ranging from comic and dramatic characters to more serious and emotional performances.
His latest clarification demonstrates the extent to which his portrayal of an ill character was convincing enough to prompt genuine concern among viewers.
According to Olaiya Igwe, the movie scene was directed by Mr Latin, another veteran figure in the Nigerian film industry.
Mr Latin, whose real name is Bolaji Amusan, is known for his work as an actor, filmmaker and producer in the Yoruba film sector.
The involvement of the veteran filmmaker further confirms that the viral footage was connected to a movie production rather than an actual health emergency involving Olaiya Igwe.
Olaiya Igwe’s clarification serves as a reminder of the need for caution when consuming and sharing health-related information about public figures online.
Videos can easily lose their original context when they are reposted across different social media platforms, potentially leading to speculation and misinformation.
In this case, the actor has explained that his appearance was purely connected to a film role.
The veteran actor has therefore dismissed the reports of serious illness, reassuring fans that the viral footage should not be taken as an indication of his actual health condition.
