Nollywood actress Debbie Shokoya has publicly refuted widespread social media reports claiming that Fuji musician Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Obesere, is her biological father. The denial follows viral posts over the weekend that alleged Shokoya had “cried out” about the paternity secret after years of silence.
In a video posted to her verified Instagram page on Monday, Shokoya directly addressed the claims, describing them as entirely fabricated. “I have never met Obesere before,” she stated. “You claim I said he’s my biological father? Don’t I look like my father? Am I not my biological father’s replica? Obesere is not my biological father. Please stop spreading fake news.”
Shokoya emphasized that she had neither made such statements nor displayed the emotional distress attributed to her in the false reports. She criticized commentators for disseminating the misinformation without verification, noting the subsequent personal abuse she has faced. “Some commentators do not even think well enough to know these things are fake; they start to throw abuses,” she said.
The actress called on bloggers and social media users to share her clarification with the same urgency they applied to the initial story. “Bloggers should also post this video the same way they were quick to jump on that misconception,” she urged.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of misinformation targeting public figures, particularly within Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment industry where unverified claims can rapidly gain traction across platforms. Shokoya’s proactive use of social media to set the record straight underscores the role celebrities themselves now play in combating false narratives.
The spread of such rumors often carries significant personal and professional repercussions for those involved. By clearly and calmly presenting her denial, Shokoya aims to halt the speculation and mitigate any further reputational damage stemming from the baseless allegation. Her response serves as a typical example of how digital-era fame requires constant vigilance against fabricated stories that can cascade out of control.
