The Nigerian movie industry faced a tough year in 2026. Many well-known actors and actresses passed away at different times, leaving their fans and families in sorrow.
From stars who became famous through classic Nigerian TV and Yoruba theatre to modern Nollywood actors, their deaths have hit hard. Here are ten Nollywood stars whose deaths were reported in 2026:
1. Ajara Lasisi, ‘Aunty Ajara’
Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026, after a long illness.
Filmmaker Tobi Oladele, also called Tee Mony, announced her death. Her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, later confirmed the sad news.
Lasisi was famous for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba films. She was buried the same day following Islamic customs.
2. Bamidele Oluwatope, ‘Okemesi’
Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, passed away in February 2026.
He was a well-liked actor in the Yoruba movie scene, known for his lively and funny roles.
He often mixed English, Yoruba, and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.
3. Davis Offor, ‘Clarus’
Veteran actor Davis Offor, widely known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
He is best remembered for his role as Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic Nigerian comedy show The New Masquerade.
His portrayal of the playful houseboy made him one of the unforgettable faces of Nigerian comedy.
4. Solomon Akiyesi
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026.
PUNCH reported his death on April 27, and the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed it. He was known for his work in various Nollywood films and had a solid reputation in the industry.
5. Oby Kechere, ‘Madam Koi Koi’
Actress, filmmaker, and producer Oby Kechere, known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026, after a long illness.
She gained fame for her role as Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.
Kechere also worked behind the scenes in filmmaking and was part of the Directors Guild of Nigeria. Vanguard confirmed her death on April 27.
6. Alexx Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo passed away in May 2026 at the age of 40.
He became a well-known face in modern Nollywood after finishing as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest.
Ekubo starred in films like A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada, and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story. PUNCH published several reports about his death and funeral, including tributes from his family and colleagues.
7. Okiki Adeshina, ‘Janmole’
Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, known as Janmole, died in June 2026 from injuries he got in a road accident.
His death added to the losses in the Yoruba film industry that year.
8. Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor, dramatist, and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
His death was confirmed by fellow actor Kunle Afod and later reported by PUNCH.
Oyewo started acting in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and became a respected figure in Nigerian theatre and film.
He is remembered for playing Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.
9. Taiwo Adeshina, ‘Elegbeje Ado’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026, after a short illness.
He was recognized for his contributions to Yoruba cinema and appeared in many local productions. PUNCH reported his death on June 30.
10. Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba passed away in August 2026 at the age of 40.
She started her acting career in 2005 and acted in many Yoruba films.
Osoba also worked as a dancer and film producer and openly spoke about her fight with breast cancer.
Their legacies live on.
These losses have affected different generations of Nigeria’s film industry. Some were celebrated veterans who helped shape Nigerian theatre and cinema, while others were younger talents pushing Nollywood forward.
Their performances and contributions to the industry will always be part of Nigeria's entertainment history.
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