Full List: Nollywood Stars Who Have D!ed In 2026 As Industry Mourns

The Nigerian film industry has suffered a series of notable losses in 2026, with veteran actors, filmmakers and younger talents passing away throughout the year.

The deaths have sparked emotional tributes from colleagues, professional associations, relatives and fans across the entertainment industry. While some of the deceased reportedly passed away after prolonged illnesses or battles with cancer, others died following accidents or other circumstances.

According to Bush Radio Academy, 15 Nollywood personalities whose deaths have been reported in 2026 include Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, who died on February 5 following a prolonged illness. Her death was confirmed by her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, after filmmaker Tobi Oladele, also known as Tee Mony, initially announced the news.

Aunty Ajara was known for her appearances in Yoruba-language productions, particularly in comic and supporting roles. Some of the productions associated with her include Gingerrr, Queen Lateefah and Isiti. She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic funeral rites.

On February 24, the industry also lost actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi. He gained attention through his energetic comedy and distinctive use of Yoruba, English and the Ekiti dialect. His screen credits included Aborisade, Mebamu, The Order, Arewa Okunrin and Eyan Ni Mi. Reports indicated that he experienced medical complications before slipping into a coma and eventually passing away.

Veteran actor Davis Offor, famously remembered as Clarus, died on April 6 at the age of 85. He earned widespread recognition for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic Nigerian television comedy The New Masquerade. His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him a familiar personality among generations of Nigerian television viewers.

The industry recorded another loss on April 26 when veteran actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi died in Abuja. The Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed his passing, with reports stating that he died in his sleep. Akiyesi had spent more than two decades in the entertainment industry and featured in productions including Deadly Affair, Heart of a Saint, Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Marry Who You Love and Accidentally Us. He was also involved in film production and activities within the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Just a day later, actress, filmmaker and producer Cecilia Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died following a prolonged illness. Her death was announced by the Directors Guild of Nigeria. Kechere joined the Nigerian film industry in the early 2000s and became particularly known for portraying Ms Koi Koi in the comedy movie Aki na Ukwa. She also worked behind the scenes as a filmmaker and producer during a career spanning more than two decades.

Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo was another major loss recorded in May. The 40-year-old actor, who emerged as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition, became a familiar face in contemporary Nigerian cinema through his appearances in movies such as A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story. His death prompted widespread reactions across the entertainment industry. His family later disclosed that he died from complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

Actor, lecturer and theatre practitioner Patrick “Energy” Okoye also died in May at the age of 41. In addition to his acting career, Okoye was an academic in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He was also involved in singing, dancing and choreography. Productions associated with him included Midnight Love, Old School, Finding a Wife, The Lion, The Jagaban and Over My Dead Body.

The Yoruba film industry recorded another loss on May 29 following the death of veteran actor Fesogboye Oyewole, popularly known as Feso Oyewole. His family confirmed his passing a day later, while TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, known as Mr Latin, had earlier announced the news. Oyewole spent several years in the Yoruba movie industry and was regarded as one of the veterans who contributed to its growth.

In June, Yoruba actor and comedian Adeshina Oshin, popularly known as Janmole, reportedly died following a road accident. Oshin had spent decades in the entertainment industry and was said to have begun his professional career in 1989. He became closely associated with Jamonle, which helped establish his stage identity. Other productions linked to his career included Agunbaniro, Iyawo Asante, Ogbon Inu and Orogun Adedigba.

Christian film audiences also mourned the death of actor Omooba Oluwasegun Oyeyemi, who passed away on June 10 at the age of 38. He was known for his role in the Mount Zion production Abattoir, where he portrayed Flora’s husband. The Bowen University Alumni Association announced his death and paid tribute to him as a member of its alumni and drama community.

Veteran actor, dramatist and academic Kola Oyewo died on June 12 at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by actor Kunle Afod and his son, Adetoyese Oyewo. Oyewo began his career in the 1960s after joining the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to become an influential figure in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.

He combined his work in entertainment with an academic career and appeared in acclaimed productions such as Saworoide, Koseegbe and O Le Ku. His extensive stage work also formed a significant part of his legacy.

Another veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29 following a brief illness. His death was announced by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi and actor Kunle Afod. Adeshina reportedly spent more than two decades in the Yoruba movie industry and was recognised for his roles in traditional and historical productions, including Akeke, Oko Abiku, Kadara Mi and Ageku Abela.

The industry suffered another painful loss on August 5 when actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died at the age of 40 after battling breast cancer. Osoba began her acting career in 2005 and appeared in several Yoruba-language productions, including Ogun Mi, Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru, Ifedolapo and Accident.

Before establishing herself as an actress, Osoba worked as a dancer and appeared in music videos. She later ventured into film production and produced Single Ladies. The actress had previously spoken publicly about her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

On August 23, Nollywood was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66. Ogogo spent more than four decades in the Nigerian entertainment industry and became one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema.

His death came after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had publicly sought medical assistance for him during his battle with stage-four cancer. The veteran actor appeared in hundreds of productions throughout his career and was regarded as an influential figure among younger performers. His remains were later taken to his hometown of Ilaro in Ogun State for funeral rites.

The latest reported loss on the list is actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, whose death was announced by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria on September 1.

Kareem had reportedly been battling breast cancer and had previously appealed for financial assistance to continue her treatment. During her illness, she revealed that significant resources had been spent on her medical care, while colleagues and members of TAMPAN also rallied around her.

Owolabi Ajasa, the TAMPAN Ogun State Executive Governor, announced her death and described it as a painful loss to her family and the Nigerian entertainment industry.