Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has masterfully turned a malicious death hoax into a masterclass in resilience and humor, debunking the baseless rumours with a side of spicy chicken and a vow to “chop life” until his final curtain call.
The uproar began circulating on social media platforms like X and Instagram earlier this week, when unverified posts claimed the 73-year-old Igbo cinema icon had passed away suddenly. The fake news, amplified by clickbait blogs and gullible shares, sent shockwaves through fans and colleagues, prompting tributes that poured in prematurely. “It’s gullible to believe such rumours,” Agu would later quip, calling out the spreaders as enemies plotting his downfall.
Enter the clapback: In a video that’s already clocked millions of views, Agu appears hale, hearty, and hilariously defiant, perched at a table mid-feast. Dressed in his signature colorful attire, the actor – known for unforgettable roles in films like My Wife and I and Igwe Must Pay – chomps on grilled chicken wings while sipping red wine, his infectious laughter booming as he addresses the camera directly. “I will chop life till God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, calls me home – which is not anytime soon!” he declares in his trademark Pidgin-infused Igbo flair, adding, “Till then, let us enjoy and let the fake bloggers cry!” The clip, captioned with biblical fire – “He who digs a pit will fall in” – ends with a stern warning to the rumour-mongers: “I’ll bury my enemies instead.”
Posted on his official Instagram on September 12, the response has exploded online, racking up over 500,000 likes and shares within hours. Fans flooded the comments with relief and roars of approval: “Oga Agu, you’re immortal! Keep chopping that life!” one user cheered, while another joked, “Enemies thought they finished you, but na you go finish the chicken first.” Nollywood heavyweights like Pete Edochie and Zubby Michael reposted the video, with Edochie adding, “My brother lives! Death, where is thy sting?” The post has sparked a broader conversation on the scourge of fake news in Nigeria’s entertainment space, echoing similar hoaxes that targeted stars like Zack Orji last year – a saga Agu himself condemned at the time, vowing divine wrath on the perpetrators.
This isn’t Agu’s first dance with mortality myths; the Anambra-born thespian, a philanthropist who’s built schools and empowered communities in the Southeast, has long been a target for detractors amid Nigeria’s polarized socio-political climate. Yet, his unshakeable spirit shines through: “I’m alive, healthy, and ready to carry my grandchildren,” he affirmed in follow-up clips, vowing to outlive the haters and continue his legacy of blending comedy with cultural advocacy. Sources close to the actor tell Naija Buzz that the rumour may stem from a rival blog’s desperate bid for traffic, but Agu’s camp is mulling a formal complaint to curb the trend.
As the video continues to trend – with remixes turning “Chop Life” into an instant meme – one thing’s crystal clear: Chiwetalu Agu isn’t just surviving; he’s thriving, one bite at a time. In a world quick to bury icons alive online, the legend reminds us: Legends don’t die; they dine. What’s next for the unbreakable Agu? More movies, more merriment, and maybe a diss track for the doubters. Naija, your Oga is here to stay. Stay blessed.