POPULAR YORUBA ACTOR TAIWO ADESHINA DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known by his stage name, Elegbeje Ado, has died after a brief illness.

The respected Nollywood star reportedly passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, bringing to an end a career that spanned several decades in the Yoruba film industry.

The news of his death was announced on Tuesday by fellow actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod in a heartfelt post on his Instagram page. Mourning the late actor, Afod described Elegbeje Ado as one of the legends of Yoruba cinema whose remarkable performances and commitment to the profession left an enduring legacy.

He extended his condolences to the deceased's family, friends, colleagues and fans, praying that they find the strength to bear the loss.

Throughout his career, Taiwo Adeshina was widely admired for his distinctive acting style, versatility and ability to portray diverse characters with authenticity.

His memorable performances in numerous Yoruba-language films earned him widespread recognition and endeared him to generations of movie lovers across Nigeria and beyond.

Colleagues in the industry have also begun paying tribute to the late actor, recalling his humility, professionalism and dedication to mentoring younger actors. Many described him as a dependable figure whose passion for storytelling contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of Yoruba filmmaking.

His death is another painful loss for Nigeria's film industry, which has witnessed the passing of several notable practitioners in recent years.

Industry stakeholders say his contributions to the development of indigenous-language cinema will continue to inspire upcoming generations of actors and filmmakers.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.