Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, has spoken out following widespread rumours on social media claiming he had passed away. The actor, known for his roles in several indigenous Nigerian films, took to Instagram on Friday to set the record straight, categorically denying the false reports.
The rumours, which began circulating on Facebook on Thursday, were sparked by a post from a user named Mzansi Celebrities. The post claimed that Agu had succumbed to diabetes after undergoing spinal surgery. The Facebook post quickly went viral, garnering over 31,000 likes and being shared by 801 users. Many reacted with a mix of sympathy and shock, while others condemned the misleading information.
In his video response, the 69-year-old actor, who has been a fixture in Nigerian cinema for decades, appeared upbeat and healthy, dispelling the rumours with a firm declaration: “I woke up to this very post. All because of likes, views, and comments. A blogger wrongly announced my death. A blogger posted rest in peace with my picture. Now, let me shock you, Chief Chiwetalu Agu isn’t going to die very soon, but instead, I’ll be the one to bury my enemies.”
The actor, who won the 2012 Nollywood Award for Best Actor in Indigenous Movies, also used the opportunity to express his dismay at the growing trend of misinformation on social media. “Someone who digs a pit will fall inside, and someone who digs a grave will fall inside. I am yet to carry my grandchildren, and I must carry them in good health when my children are ready. Someone is already wishing me dead,” he added.
Agu’s video continued with a stern warning to bloggers and social media users who propagate such falsehoods for attention. He explained why he would not be taking legal action against the individual responsible for the rumour. “If it were any of these big bloggers in Nigeria — the likes of Tunde, Linda Ikeji, or Gossipmill — I would have sued them for defamation, economic and business damages, cyber harassment, and misuse of images,” he stated. “But knowing that this blogger is a poor individual, struggling for views and likes, I decided not to waste my time.”
The actor also implored the public to exercise caution when consuming news from unverified sources. “In this 21st century, 2025 at that, a lot of people are gullible enough to believe certain news without even confirming whether it is true or not,” he said. Agu called on his fans to challenge and dismiss false claims about his health, advising them to report any pages spreading such rumours.
Agu’s message closed with a powerful statement, telling his supporters: “Before rushing to type rest in peace, it’s alright. If you are part of people wishing me bad, you’ll be part of people that I’ll bury in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
This public response from the actor serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public perception and the potential harm that can be caused by the spread of false information. As the actor continues to enjoy good health, he encourages everyone to be more discerning in what they share online.
In recent months, Agu has remained active in the entertainment scene, notably featuring in Mr Macaroni’s skit, “The Avenger of Nollywood,” where he starred alongside other prominent Nollywood actors.
