Mr Yemi, the son of the octogenarian actor, told newsmen that the reports of the 82-year-old’s death are false.

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"It’s not true. I still spoke to him this morning. This man you’re talking about is my biological father and it’s painful that this kind of thing goes on every time.

At least Nigerian journalists should reach out to the family before publishing such stories. Baba Sala is fine and I, his son still spoke to him today."

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Moses Olaiya, better known by his stage name "Baba Sala", is a Nigerian comedian, dramatist and actor born in 1936

Baba Sala can be regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy, alongside other dramatists like Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo popularized theatre and television acting in Nigeria.

Baba Sala started his career in show business as a Highlife musician, fronting in 1964 a group known as the Federal Rhythm Dandies where he tutored and guided the jùjú music maestro King Sunny Adé who was his lead guitar player.