Veteran actress Moji Afolayan has opened up about the heartbreaking moment her legendary father, Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love, passed away — a story that still brings tears 29 years later.

Speaking in a reflective mood as the family marks nearly three decades since his passing, Moji revealed that her father showed no signs of illness before suddenly falling sick during a trip to their hometown in Kwara State during the Christmas season of 1996.

“My father wasn’t sick before we left Lagos,” she said. “We traveled home for Christmas and also attended a family event. It was there that he suddenly became ill.”

According to her, Ade Love was rushed to Ilorin for medical attention, but he insisted on returning to Lagos to see his personal doctor.

 Unfortunately, he never recovered. He passed away on December 30, 1996.

One chilling moment she recalled was his final conversation with his youngest wife.

“He asked her to come with him to Lagos, but she chose to stay back. Then he said, ‘What if we don’t meet again?’ We didn’t understand what he meant at the time,” Moji recounted.

The iconic actor and filmmaker was not only a pioneer in the Nigerian movie industry but also a beloved father. Moji described him as “good and caring to the core.”

“I pray to come through him again in my next life,” she added emotionally.

Ade Love’s legacy lives on through his children, including Moji, Kunle, and Gabriel Afolayan — all of whom have made their marks in the Nigerian entertainment industry. His story is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and the timeless impact of those who leave behind love, creativity, and unforgettable memories.