10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026

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The Nigerian film industry has suffered several losses in 2026, with veteran actors, actresses and other prominent practitioners passing away at different times.

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From performers who became household names through classic Nigerian television and Yoruba theatre to contemporary Nollywood stars, their deaths have left colleagues, families and fans mourning.

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Here are 10 Nollywood stars whose deaths were reported in 2026:

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1. Ajara Lasisi — ‘Aunty Ajara’

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Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

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Her death was announced by filmmaker Tobi Oladele, also known as Tee Mony, while her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, subsequently confirmed her passing.

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Lasisi was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films. She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

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2. Bamidele Oluwatope — ‘Okemesi’

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Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026.
nHe is described as a popular actor in the Yoruba film industry known for his energetic and comic roles.n

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He was particularly known for combining English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.

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3. Davis Offor — ‘Clarus’

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Veteran actor Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.

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He was best remembered for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic Nigerian television comedy series The New Masquerade.

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His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him one of the memorable faces of Nigerian television comedy.

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4. Solomon Akiyesi

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Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026.

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PUNCH reported his death on April 27, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming the demise. He was known for his appearances in several Nollywood productions and had built a reputation within the Nigerian film industry.

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5. Oby Kechere — ‘Madam Koi Koi’

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Actress, filmmaker and producer Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

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She became widely known for playing Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.

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Kechere was also involved in filmmaking behind the camera and was a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria. Vanguard confirmed her April 27 death in its roundup of Nollywood personalities who died in 2026.

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6. Alexx Ekubo

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Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died in May 2026, aged 40.

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He became one of the recognisable faces of contemporary Nollywood after emerging as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition.

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Ekubo featured in films including A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.

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PUNCH subsequently published several reports on his death and funeral, including tributes from colleagues and his family.

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7. Okiki Adeshina — ‘Janmole’

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Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026 following injuries sustained in a road accident.

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He was one of the actors whose death added to the losses recorded in the Yoruba film industry during the year.

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8. Kola Oyewo

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Veteran actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.

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His death was confirmed by fellow actor Kunle Afod and subsequently reported by PUNCH.

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Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and became one of the most respected figures in Nigerian theatre and film.

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He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.

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9. Taiwo Adeshina — ‘Elegbeje Ado’

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Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026, after a brief illness.

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He was known for his contributions to Yoruba-language cinema and featured in a number of indigenous productions.

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PUNCH reported his death on June 30.

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10. Temitope Osoba

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Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died in August 2026, aged 40.

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She began her acting career in 2005 and featured in several Yoruba-language productions.

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Osoba also worked as a dancer and film producer during her career and was known to have spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer.

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Their legacies live on

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The deaths have cut across different generations of Nigeria’s film industry. While some were celebrated veterans who helped shape Nigerian theatre, television and indigenous cinema, others belonged to a younger generation that was taking Nollywood in new directions.

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Their performances, characters and contributions to the industry, however, remain part of the Nigerian entertainment story.

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