LAGOS, Nigeria — Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has disclosed that he was once paid to pose as a disabled person in a staged church miracle performance when he was still a student and relatively unknown in the entertainment industry.
The 66-year-old actor made the revelation during an interview with Feel Right News TV that circulated publicly on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Solade recounted that he was recruited to act as a cripple during a church service so that a supposed healing miracle could be performed. He said he accepted the offer, collected the payment, and used the money to buy drinks.
“I have been used for miracle then, when I was not popular. I acted as a cripple, they paid, I used the money to drink. Then I was a student. The people involved are still alive; I don’t just want to mention names,” Solade said.
The actor stopped short of naming the church or the individuals involved in the arrangement, noting only that those responsible remain alive.
The confession comes amid ongoing public conversations about authenticity in religious practices and staged healings in some churches. Solade’s account adds to previous testimonies from individuals who have claimed they were paid to simulate disabilities or illnesses for dramatic “miracle” moments during services.
The revelation follows other recent candid remarks by the actor about his relationship with organised religion. In earlier interviews, Solade explained that he stopped attending church about 13 years ago after disagreements with church leadership over work schedules and other personal experiences, while insisting that he remains a believer in God.
Solade has built a long career in Nollywood spanning several decades and is known for his outspoken views on industry matters, faith and social issues. His latest comments have generated widespread discussion on social media, with many reacting to the claims of staged miracles.
As of the time of this report, there has been no public response from any church or individual identified in connection with the incident Solade described.
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