By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has debunked reports that veteran actor and its immediate past president, Adewale Elesho, is suffering from skin cancer, saying he has undergone a successful operation and is recovering.
The National Publicity Secretary of the association, Oluwafemi Adejonwo, popularly known as Femson, disclosed this in a Facebook post on Sunday, 30 August, 2026 following concerns over an injury noticed on Elesho’s face.
Speculation about the actor’s health intensified after the injury was noticed during the burial of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The development subsequently generated speculation on social media, with some posts claiming that Elesho could be suffering from skin cancer.
However, the ANTP clarified that Elesho’s operation was successful and that the actor was stable and recuperating.
In an earlier statement, the association said, “In recent days, there have been several posts on social media concerning the health of our dear brother, Prince Adewale Adeoye Eleso, 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.”
Providing an update, Adejonwo said the actor was responding well to treatment and thanked members of the public for their concern.
“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,” he said.
The association, however, did not disclose the nature of Elesho’s operation or confirm that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
It urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and continue to pray for the actor’s speedy recovery.
