Throughout yesterday’s night, the social media was agog with the unverified news that billionaire businessman and chairman of Globacom and Conoil, Otunba Mike Adenuga, who’s known with the sobriquet “the bull”, had died.
This may be far from the truth as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, said the Globacom boss is alive and not dead.
The rumours had sparked an outpouring of grief online, with many netizens sharing tributes and pictures of the business mogul.
However, close associates and family members had reined in the rumourmill by debunking the claims and affirming that Adenuga was “alive, hale, and hearty.”
Momodu took to social media to address the rumours, labelling it as fake news. He wrote “Ignore the fake news…
The Spirit of Africa, Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Isola Adenuga, is hale and hearty. He’s right now at his desk working round the clock in support of the Nigerian economy. He just called me to thank everyone for their concern.”
The Adenuga family also released an official statement, urging the public to disregard the false news.
“Dr. Mike Adenuga is alive, in good health, and going about his regular activities,” the statement said.
The family expressed appreciation for the concerns shown by the public.
It, however, cautioned against the spread of unverified information.
Adenuga celebrated his 71st birthday on April 29 this year.
Otunba Adenuga is one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, overseeing a conglomerate spanning oil and gas, telecommunications, aviation, construction, banking, and real estate.
With a net worth of $6.7 billion, he ranks as the fifth-richest man in Africa, according to Forbes.
In the wake of the false rumours, the Adenuga family and associates emphasized the need for accuracy and responsible reporting, particularly on sensitive matters involving public figures.