Yoruba Nollywood in Mourning as Actress Omotola Odunsi Passes Away

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Yoruba Nollywood actress, Omotola Odunsi.

Her death was announced by fellow actress Bakare Zainab, who shared the heartbreaking news on social media. Though the cause of death was not disclosed, the loss has deeply shaken colleagues and fans alike.

Zainab kept her message short and emotional, writing:

“Goodnight. Omotola rest well.”

Another Nollywood figure, Ashabi — known as the mother of singer Portable’s child — also took to Instagram to express her shock, revealing that she and Omotola had recently worked together and were planning future collaborations.

“This one shocked me, aunty Tola. You’re one of the best actors I was rooting for,” Ashabi wrote.
“We met earlier this year while I was shooting Deputy, and we promised to feature each other in our next project. You laboured and didn’t wait to reap the fruits. Most of your dreams didn’t even come true. God, we can’t question you. Death is deep.”

Omotola was a rising star in Yoruba cinema and had appeared in several notable films, including Lisabi, where she acted alongside Lateef Adedimeji. Her colleagues described her as talented, dedicated, and full of promise.

Her sudden death comes amid another wave of grief in the Nigerian entertainment scene following the recent killing of fish entrepreneur Ifesinachi Onyekere, known as Fish Magnet. Actress Destiny Etiko, reacting to his death, also used the opportunity to call for better security measures in the country, especially in the southeastern states.

As the industry and fans try to come to terms with these heartbreaking losses, many are left reflecting on how fragile life can be — and how important it is to celebrate the ones we cherish while we still can.

May Omotola Odunsi rest in peace, and may her loved ones find comfort in the legacy she leaves behind