Veteran Yoruba actor, Adewale Elesho, has broken his silence over speculation that he was battling skin cancer after a disturbing growth on his face sparked widespread concern among fans and colleagues.
The popular actor, also known as Baba Elesho, insisted that the condition was not skin cancer, dismissing claims circulating on social media as mere speculation.
Elesho, who recently received medical attention at a Lagos State General Hospital with support from the state government, expressed gratitude to the doctors and other health workers who attended to him.
The actor explained that he initially regarded the growth on his face as an ordinary lump but became worried after undergoing several medical tests without knowing exactly what was responsible for it.
He also credited social media bloggers with helping to draw attention to his condition, saying their discussions eventually reached the Lagos State Government, which facilitated assistance for his treatment.
“I thought it was a lump at first, but I thank God regardless. I also thank bloggers. Even though I made a lot of efforts, including several tests, people started talking about it until it got to the Lagos State Government,” he said.
He further praised the medical personnel at the Lagos State General Hospital, saying he had become frustrated with the condition before receiving the assistance that eventually brought relief.
“I appreciate the doctors and staff at the Lagos State General Hospital. They did a great job because I was already fed up, but God said it was time,” he added.
However, Elesho admitted that he was not told the exact medical diagnosis responsible for the growth, even after undergoing treatment.
He was particularly emphatic in rejecting suggestions that he was suffering from skin cancer.
“It wasn’t cancer of the skin. I don’t have any spot on my skin; people were only speculating,” he said.
HOW CANCER RUMOURS STARTED
The controversy surrounding the actor’s health dates back to August 2026, when photographs and videos showing a noticeable injury on his face began circulating online.
Concern intensified after he was spotted at a prayer gathering for ailing veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, and subsequently at events surrounding Ogogo’s death.
Ogogo died on August 23, 2026, after battling stage-four cancer, a development that had already generated considerable concern within the Yoruba movie industry.
The appearance of Elesho’s facial injury around the same period fuelled speculation that he might also be battling the deadly disease.
However, the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP), of which Elesho is a former president, subsequently confirmed that he had undergone a successful operation.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Adejonwo Oluwafemi, the association said the actor was stable and recuperating, while thanking members of the public for their prayers and concern.
The association, however, did not disclose the nature of the operation or the specific medical condition that necessitated it. SilverbirdTV +2
KOSOKO, SON STOOD BY HIM
Beyond expressing gratitude to the Lagos State Government and medical personnel, Elesho acknowledged the support he received from veteran actor Prince Jide Kosoko and his son, Yemi Elesho.
He particularly praised Yemi for remaining committed to his care despite the distance between their residences.
According to him, his son regularly travelled from Lekki to his home in Ikorodu, sometimes arriving as early as 6am to attend to him.
“My boss, Prince Jide Kosoko, and my son Yemi Elesho also stood by me. Yemi would get to my house by 6 am despite living in Lekki, and I live in Ikorodu,” he said.
The veteran actor expressed appreciation to everyone who supported him during the difficult period, saying their prayers, encouragement and assistance meant a lot to him.
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