‘Tope Osoba didn’t die of cancer,’ Family breaks silence

By Tolulope Oke

The family of Nollywood actress Tope Osoba has dismissed reports linking her death to cancer, describing the claims circulating on social media and blogs as false and unverified.

The family, in a statement shared on the actress’ official Instagram page on Thursday, said reports on the circumstances surrounding her death were speculative and unauthorised.

The actress was reported to have died on Tuesday evening, shortly after speaking with some colleagues on the phone and posting “Ogo Tuntun”, meaning “new glory”, on her WhatsApp status.

Following her death, several reports attributed her passing to her previous battle with breast cancer, after she had publicly sought financial assistance nearly two years ago for surgery and treatment.

However, the family rejected the claims, insisting that Tope Osoba did not die from cancer.

“We are deeply saddened by the spread of false and unverified reports concerning the passing of our beloved,” the statement read.

“At this difficult time, we wish to categorically state that the numerous claims circulating on social media and various blogs regarding the circumstances surrounding her death are false, speculative, and entirely unauthorised.”

The family urged the public to stop sharing information that had not been confirmed, saying such reports had added to the pain of her loved ones.

It added that further details regarding the actress’ passing would be released through her official page when necessary.