Nollywood Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Cancer Battle

Nollywood Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Cancer Battle

  The Ogun State Chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has announced the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Kareem, who reportedly died following a battle with breast cancer. The news of her passing was officially announced on Tuesday by her colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa, via an official statement posted on his Instagram page. The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her. “I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video. “Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.” In the release signed by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle. “We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read. “Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.” The association further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God. “Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call. “We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded. Atinuke’s passing comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also succumbed to stage-four cancer.

Some Nollywood Stars Declined Support for Temitope Osoba’s Burial – Actress

  Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has alleged that some of her colleagues refused to support the burial of late actress Temitope Osoba, citing her non-membership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) as their reason. Adesanya made the allegation on Tuesday at the candlelight procession and artistes’ night held in honour of Osoba in Ikeja, Lagos State. The actress, who is the National Director of Social and Welfare of TAMPAN, represented the association’s President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, at the event. She appealed to practitioners in the entertainment industry to support one another in life and death, while condemning what she described as deception and “eye service” among colleagues. According to her, efforts to raise funds for Osoba’s burial after her death were resisted by some practitioners who questioned her membership of TAMPAN. “Do you know that when Tope died, I was talking to the president about soliciting some funds for her burial but some of our colleagues declined, saying that she wasn’t a member of TAMPAN and that she didn’t practise. “Someone who is dead and I can confirm was a member in Eti-Osa chapter, yet you are still beefing her. You people are going about saying that they shouldn’t contribute a dime for her because she’s not a member. That is bad. The same thing happened when Murphy Afolabi died,” she said. Osoba’s death came barely a year after she publicly shared her experience battling breast cancer and appealed for financial support for her treatment. In August 2025, she announced her return to acting after undergoing surgery and other treatment, saying she had been declared cancer-free. Her death subsequently generated reactions and controversy among colleagues and fans, particularly over the level of support she received from members of the entertainment industry before and after her death. Adesanya urged actors and other practitioners to stop waiting until their colleagues die before celebrating or supporting them, stressing that people should be appreciated while they are still alive. “I have a message for you all, let’s celebrate ourselves while we are alive. Don’t judge anybody, let’s focus on our lives. Temitope came, saw but lost the battle to death,” she said. The actress also criticised what she described as hypocrisy within the industry, noting that the number of people who attended Osoba’s candlelight procession appeared to contrast with the support she said was offered to the late actress when she needed it. Adesanya urged practitioners to replace rivalry and division with love, unity and genuine support, stressing that death should not be the point at which colleagues begin to demonstrate concern for one another.  

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Passes Away

  Popular Nollywood actress, Temitope Osoba, has passed away, leaving fans and colleagues in the Nigerian film industry in mourning. Her death was announced on Wednesday by fellow actor Alesh Sanni in an emotional post shared on his Instagram page. Expressing grief over the loss, Sanni said he had been unable to sleep since learning of the actress’ death, describing her as a dear sister with whom he shared memorable moments. He wrote, “Couldn’t sleep since last night, it’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together, till we meet again. I really dunno what to say mehn, gosh.” As of the time of filing this report, the cause of Osoba’s death had yet to be disclosed. The actress was known for her roles in several Yoruba-language Nollywood productions and was regarded by colleagues as a talented performer. Further details surrounding her death were still being awaited as of press time. Details later…

UPDATED: Popular Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Passes away at 40

  Popular Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo, is dead. He was 40. His death was confirmed on Tuesday by his colleagues, Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Godwin Nnadiekwe, who claimed to be his ally. Sharing on her Instagram story, Akindele wrote, “Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but I guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex. ‘Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. Rest in Peace, Alex.” Meanwhile, Ninalowo, who is now in the United States, also mourned on his page, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.” Nnadiekwe, on the other hand, shared, “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — It’s heartbroken, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.” As of the time of filing this report, his family has not issued a statement on his death. Recall that fans across social media recently expressed concerns for Ekubo following his first public appearance after months of social media silence. The light-skinned movie star had been absent from Instagram since December 30, 2024, sparking speculation about his well-being. However, a recent video that surfaced online brought him back into the spotlight, though it also raised further questions. In the viral clip, Ekubo was seen interacting with a group of children, appearing noticeably slimmer and subdued. The video, posted by user @AsakyGRN on X (formerly Twitter), was captioned, “Alex Ekubo spotted for the first time since disappearing from social media.” The footage triggered a wave of emotional reactions from fans, many of whom noted a significant change in his appearance and questioned his wellbeing. Before his demise, the actor dismissed marriage in favour of his quest to earn more money in the film industry. In January 2023, his then-lover, Fancy Acholonu, in an interview, revealed that she dated the late actor for five years without them having any intimacy. The US-based model also called off her wedding to Ekubo in December 2021, after apologising to the film star a year later for calling it off. Acholonu affirmed her love for the actor, saying that “like our shirt says, Nothing makes sense when we’re apart @alexxekubo you still have my heart. “I miss you, I love you, and I’m truly sorry for all the hurt & pain you and your family went through with our breakup.” She noted that her actions were out of character, and she has realised she could have controlled her emotions and not been so overreactive. However, in a post on his Instagram page, Ekubo implied that he was aware that some people were curious about why he has not yet been married. The film star said he was more interested in making money. He urged people not to bother about his marital status.  

Nollywood Actor Lateef Adedimeji, Wife Welcome Triplet Sons

  Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe. Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy. “I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote. The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children. The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues. Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.” OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe I’m an Auntie” Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam” Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

Gospel Singer and Nollywood Soundtrack Icon Onos Brisibi Dies at 55

  Gospel singer and Nollywood soundtrack voice, Onos Brisibi, has died at the age of 55. Brisibi, whose unmistakable vocals were featured in Nollywood classics such as Domitilla and Blood Money, died on March 23, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Her death was announced on Thursday in a tribute shared on Instagram by veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD). In the emotional post, RMD described her as a devout Christian and a gifted vocalist whose music touched countless lives. He wrote, “It’s hard to put into words the loss we feel. “My dear sister and cousin, Onos Nancy Brisibi, went to be with the Lord on March 23rd, 2026, after a long and difficult illness. She was born on November 20th, 1970, to Apostle Ambrose Oproze Brisibi (of blessed memory) and Deaconess Mary Koko Brisibi of Aladja, Udu, Delta State. “Onos was more than family—she was love in human form. A devoted Christian, a beautiful soul, and a gifted songstress whose voice carried so much light and joy. She didn’t just sing; she ministered, lifting hearts and drawing people closer to God. She loved deeply, laughed freely, and gave so much of herself to everyone around her. “I called her Onos pokor pokor, and in return she would call me Uncle Richard—with that her playful, almost British accent. Where Warri girl wey never go England see that kind accent from? That was just who she was—full of life, humour, and charm. “The memories keep flooding in—even till her last days, when with Mama we sat reminiscing and teasing her about how, as kids, she would leave Mama Titi’s house just to come and eat at my mum’s place, where her ‘special plate’ was always waiting. Through it all, her laughter never left her—and it still echoes in our hearts now. “She leaves behind her daughter, Sarah, her mother, siblings, and so many of us who will carry her in our hearts always. “The tears are many, but the memories are even more. And we are comforted, like all who knew her and her dedication to spreading the gospel through music, that she is finally resting with the Lord. “I will miss you deeply, my sweet coz. I love you—always will. Rest in perfect peace, Onos. You were truly loved.” Brisibi, born on November 20, 1970, to Apostle Ambrose Oproze Brisibi (late) and Deaconess Mary Koko Brisibi of Aladja, Udu, Delta State, was widely regarded for her contributions to gospel music and her memorable presence in Nollywood soundtracks. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Brisibi, her mother, siblings, extended family, friends, and her church community at LoveWorld Ministries.