PHOTO CREDIT: Photos as used in original Pulse Nigeria publication / Pulse.ng
Painful Losses: 10 Nollywood Stars Who Died Between January and August 2026
The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning in 2026, following the deaths of ten of its actors within eight months. The losses cut across generations — from veterans who built Yoruba cinema to young stars still at the peak of their careers.

Here is a chronological list:

1. Ajara Lasisi (Aunty Ajara) – February 5
Popular comic actress Ajara Lasisi, fondly called Aunty Ajara, passed away on February 5 after a prolonged battle with a liver-related illness. She was beloved for her roles as outspoken market women and dramatic neighbours in Yoruba movies. Her family confirmed her death after colleagues and fans had rallied support during her illness.

2. Bamidele Oluwatope (Okemesi) – February 24
Comic actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, known as Okemesi, died on February 24 from complications linked to medication during hospital treatment. Known for blending English, Yoruba and Ekiti dialect in his act, he featured in films like Dearest, Aborisade and Eyan Ni Mi.

3. Oby Kechere (Madam Koi Koi) – April 27
Actress and filmmaker Oby Kechere died on April 27 after a prolonged illness. She rose to fame as Ms Koi Koi in the 2002 classic Aki na Ukwa. She was also a producer, director, and Vice Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja chapter.

4. Alexx Ekubo – May 11
One of the most shocking losses of the year. Alexx Ekubo (1986-2026) died on May 11 at Evercare Hospital, Lagos, after battling liver cancer. A former Mr Nigeria 2010 first runner-up, law graduate and humanitarian, he became a household name with movies like Weekend Getaway and Lagos Cougars.

5. Patrick Okoye – May 28
Veteran actor Patrick Okoye died in late May at age 51 after a protracted illness. With over 24 years in Nollywood, he was known for Midnight Love and Old School.

6. Feso Oyewole – May 29
Actor and filmmaker Feso Oyewole died on May 29 at 80. Before Nollywood, he was a teacher and unionist. He spent 25 years in the industry with credits including Take Me to Maama, State of Emergency and Sakobi.

7. Kola Oyewo – June 12
Theatre icon, actor and scholar Kola Oyewo died on June 12 at 80. His death was confirmed by actor Kunle Afod and his son, Adetoyese Oyewo. A towering figure in Nigerian theatre, cinema and academia, his contributions spanned decades.

8. Taiwo Adeshina (Elegbeje Ado) – June 29
Yoruba comic actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29 at 69 after a brief illness. He was celebrated for his comic timing and character roles over two decades.

9. Temitope Osoba – August 5
Actress, dancer and filmmaker Temitope Kofoworola Osoba died on August 5 at 40. She started acting in 2005 and became a notable face in Yoruba cinema. She had publicly spoken about her breast cancer battle in 2024, though her official cause of death was not confirmed.

10. Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) – August 23
Veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, died on August 23 at 66 after battling stage four cancer. Starting as an automobile mechanic and civil servant before going into acting full-time in 1994, his breakout was 1996’s Owo Blow. He remained relevant for over 40 years with roles in Anikulapo and Omo Ghetto.

The industry continues to pay tributes to these fallen stars who gave so much to Nigerian cinema.
SOURCE: Original story by Pulse Nigeria