Debbie Shokoya Sets the Record Straight on Viral Paternity Claims
Nollywood actress Debbie Shokoya has issued a strong denial in response to trending online rumors that falsely identified her as the biological daughter of renowned Fuji musician Abass Akande Obesere, popularly known for his hit "Egungun Be Careful." The viral claim, which emerged over the weekend and rapidly spread across social media platforms, alleged that Shokoya had finally confirmed a long-speculated paternal relationship after years of silence. However, the actress has categorically dismissed these assertions as entirely baseless and misleading.
Actress Denies Any Personal Contact with Obesere
In a video shared on her official Instagram page, Debbie Shokoya expressed clear frustration and disappointment over the widespread dissemination of the false narrative. She emphasized that she has never met Obesere in person and has never made any statements suggesting such a familial connection. "It is not funny anymore; the news is everywhere. I have never met Obesere before," Shokoya stated firmly, challenging the credibility of those who propagated the story without verification. She questioned how such unverified claims could gain such traction online, highlighting a lack of responsible journalism and social media ethics.
Shokoya Highlights Physical Resemblance to Her Biological Father
To further debunk the rumors, Debbie Shokoya pointed to her physical features as evidence of her true parentage. She insisted that she is a clear replica of her actual biological father, asking rhetorically, "Don't I look like my father? Am I not my biological father's replica?" This statement was intended to underscore the absurdity of the viral claims and reinforce her identity within her own family background. Shokoya maintained that the online narrative does not reflect reality and urged the public to stop attributing false statements to her, stressing the importance of accuracy in celebrity reporting.
Call for Responsible Content Creation and Quick Retraction
Debbie Shokoya also addressed bloggers and social media users who amplified the false claim, expressing her disappointment at their haste in sharing unverified information. She called for greater responsibility among content creators, urging them to verify facts before publishing. "Stop writing or posting things I never said," she added, emphasizing the need for ethical practices in digital media. Furthermore, Shokoya demanded that those who spread the initial rumor give equal attention to her clarification, stating that content creators should be as quick in sharing her rebuttal as they were in spreading the misconception. This call to action highlights ongoing concerns about misinformation in the entertainment industry.
Social Media Reactions and Broader Context
Following the release of her video, social media users reacted with a mix of support and criticism. Some comments, compiled from platforms like Instagram, included:
- @pejay_toh_posh stated: "Debbie Ajijolalajesi omo shokoya miii it’s well my darling, please fam kindly watch Alayaka and thank me later God bless you all"
- @ahyetteebeauty noted: "Reasons I don't always want to visit Facebook, it's either they give outdated news or give a good package of something that happened in a movie for reality"
- @_kissbally wrote: "Where dem wan put Our Baba Show? but Obesere to be added to your name isn’t a bad one we think"
- @larrybridesnmore shared: "orisirisi, those people in Facebook eehnnn! I can't just imagine their kind of being. The most annoying part are the commenters"
These reactions reflect broader public sentiment about the prevalence of fake news and the impact on celebrities' personal lives. In a related context, Shokoya recently made headlines for a surprise marriage proposal from her boyfriend on Valentine's Day, which garnered congratulations but also sparked discussions about her reserved demeanor in the video. This incident underscores how celebrity news often intertwines personal and professional narratives, necessitating careful scrutiny.
The article was originally reported by Olaniyi Apanpa, a seasoned journalist with over six years of experience in entertainment, sports, metro, and politics reporting. A graduate of English Education from the University of Lagos and a trained digital marketer, Apanpa has worked for platforms such as Opera News, Scooper News, The PUNCH, and currently serves as a Senior Entertainment Editor at Legit.ng. His expertise highlights the professional standards expected in journalism, contrasting with the irresponsible behavior criticized by Shokoya in this case.
