NOLLYWOOD MOURNS AS ACTRESS ATINUKE KAREEM DIES AFTER CANCER BATTLE

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of Yoruba actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, popularly known as Atinuke Kareem, after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.

The actress’ death was announced on Tuesday by Owolabi Ajasa, the Ogun State Governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN. Ajasa shared the announcement on his Instagram page, expressing appreciation to everyone who supported Kareem during her illness.

In a statement issued through the Ogun State chapter of TAMPAN, the association acknowledged the financial assistance, prayers, encouragement and other forms of support that Kareem received throughout her treatment. The association said that despite the collective efforts made to assist her, the actress eventually succumbed to the illness.

The statement described Kareem’s death as a painful loss to her family, colleagues and the wider entertainment community. TAMPAN also prayed for strength for those she left behind and for the actress to be granted eternal rest.

Kareem’s battle with breast cancer had previously become public after she appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance and prayers. In a video that circulated online, the actress disclosed that she had been battling the disease for some time and that the cost of treatment had placed a heavy financial burden on her family.

She explained that her family had already spent considerable money on her treatment, while her professional association, TAMPAN, had also provided support. However, she said the assistance available to her was not enough to meet the expenses required for her continued treatment.

During the appeal, Kareem also revealed that she had two young children and pleaded with Nigerians to assist her with whatever financial contribution they could afford. Her appeal drew attention from colleagues, fans and well-wishers, many of whom offered financial and moral support.

Despite the efforts made to help her continue treatment, Kareem eventually died after her prolonged battle with the disease. Her death has since generated an outpouring of grief among members of the Yoruba film industry and her supporters.

Her passing comes only a little over a week after the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on August 23, 2026, after reportedly battling stage-four cancer. The successive deaths have added to a difficult period for the Yoruba section of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Kareem’s colleagues and members of TAMPAN have continued to mourn her, remembering the support she received during her illness and the efforts made to save her life.

The actress’ death has also renewed discussions about the difficulties faced by entertainers and other individuals who require prolonged medical treatment, particularly when the cost of care becomes difficult for families to sustain.

TAMPAN expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by Kareem during her illness and prayed that her family, colleagues and loved ones would find the strength to cope with the loss.

Atinuke Kareem’s death represents another painful loss for Nollywood, with colleagues and fans now paying tribute to an actress whose final months were marked by a public struggle against breast cancer.