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Claim: A Facebook post suggests that Nigerian ex-footballer Wilson Oruma has gone mentally ill and is roaming the streets naked.
Verdict: The claim suggesting Wilson Oruma is mentally ill and roaming the streets naked is misleading. A thorough investigation reveals unsubstantiated allegations and inconsistencies.
Full Text
Recently, social media has been awash with contrasting images of former Nigerian football stars, depicting their journey from fame to potential struggles. Amidst this trend, a misleading claim emerged in May 2023, suggesting that ex-Super Eagles midfielder Wilson Oruma was seriously ill and hospitalised.
A viral video purportedly showed the Olympic gold medalist on a hospital bed, connected to a drip and urinary catheters. The video has stirred varied reactions online. Reports circulated that he was in dire need of medical assistance.
In response, Oruma’s family clarified that unscrupulous individuals were exploiting his alleged condition to scam unsuspecting Nigerians and fans worldwide. On May 2, 2023, Oruma himself released a video dispelling rumours of his ill health and expressing gratitude for the support he received.
“Much love to everyone…, Thank you for the support you have shown me and my family. I’m healthy and feel so good. I never knew people loved me so much.”
On May 4, 2024, a similar claim resurfaced when a Facebook user, Opobo Hype Man, posted a collage juxtaposing Oruma’s image with an unkempt individual, insinuating a before-and-after scenario.
His post reads:
“This is a former Nigerian football player, Wilson Oruma. Fear dark-hearted and jealousy people, those who only want everything good on this earth to be their own, may they always destroy themselves as they are trying to destroy other people’s destinies…”
The post has generated over 8,000 comments and 2,500 shares. While some believed the claim to be true, others doubted its credibility.
A screenshot collage of the post and reactions is in the comment section.
Earlier on Jan 20, 2024, this same collage picture was posted on X, by a user, Simon Ekpa (@simon_ekpa), alleging that Nigeria is evil.
His post reads: “This is Nigeria former football player, Wilson Oruma. Nigeria is evil! According to the story.” This post generated over 1,900 reposts and 2,600 likes, with many doubts in the comment section.
Verification
The ‘before picture’ of Oruma wearing a Super Eagles jersey, labelled 2016, was found to be misleading, as Oruma retired from professional football in 2010. A Google Reverse Image Search revealed that the picture was taken at the African Cup of Nations 2006 by Adam Davy – PA Images via Getty Images on Jan. 23, 2006.
DUBAWA also conducted a Google Reverse Image Search on the unkempt individual but could not find a trace of the picture online. A closer analysis of the same photo posted by Ekpa on Jan 20, 2024, and that by Opobo Hypeman on May 4, 2024, showed different date tags. The former had 2023, while the latter had 2024, suggesting inconsistencies.
In a keyword search, a report by Punch Newspaper published on April 29, 2023, highlighted Oruma’s struggles following a reported financial scam in 2016, which led to emotional distress and depression. However, further investigation showed no credible evidence from any reliable media channels supporting recent claims of Oruma’s mental health deterioration or erratic behaviour.
Furthermore, efforts to reach Oruma were unsuccessful, but we sighted testimonies from individuals in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos State, attesting to his soundness and usual presence in the area.
In the comment section, Odejimi Pennykeyz Emmanuel wrote, “Oruma, I still saw yesterday. I greeted him, and he responded at VGC.” Adebayo Oluwasesunfunmi replied by saying, “I see him frequently, too. He always walks past my house on Road 3 inside the VGC estate. He’s depressed, yes, but not mad.”
Conclusion
The circulating claim depicting Wilson Oruma as mentally ill and roaming the streets naked is misleading. Despite attempts to portray him negatively through misleading images and posts, thorough verification reveals inconsistencies. While he may have faced challenges, including financial losses and emotional stress, there is no evidence to support the sensationalised claims circulating on social media.
The researcher produced this fact-check per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Bridge Radio 98.7FM, Asaba, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
