10 things to know about late Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba

Photo: Late Temitope Osoba

Nollywood actor and human rights activist, Yomi Fabiyi, has demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of actress Temitope Osoba.

Fabiyi, in a statement on his Instagram page on Monday, said his organisation, Break The Silence Foundation, had petitioned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and commenced what he described as a “legitimate probe” into Osoba’s death.

He said the investigation was necessary because Osoba had allegedly reported a matter to the police shortly before her death.

Fabiyi wrote, “Our Human Rights Organization has initiated a legitimate probe into the death of TEMITOPE OSOBA and have since established legal action by first sending in a bundle via a PETITION to the COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, LAGOS STATE, no turning back.

“TOPE OSOBA reported the matter to the police herself and established a criminal angle. She died a few hours later, and nobody was interested in the investigation.”

The actor also questioned the decision to proceed with Osoba’s burial without an autopsy, urging those concerned to allow due process to take its course.

“Rushing to bury her in these circumstances without due process does not justify love, affection, or otherwise for her. It is simple common sense to wait if you truly care. Do the AUTOPSY before burying,” he said.

Fabiyi said his organisation would continue with its investigation regardless of whether the burial proceeded as scheduled.

“Burial or no burial, we will advance in our probe and get to the root of the matter. The law will catch up when it is ready,” he stated.

He also urged Nigerians to avoid allowing emotions and sentiments to interfere with investigations into deaths or alleged crimes.

“JUSTICE REQUIRES PATIENCE. We must be our brothers’ keeper, not by mouth alone but in all ramifications. Nigeria will get there, and it requires those willing and knowledgeable to keep pushing no matter whose ox are gored,” he wrote.

Osoba’s death was announced by fellow actor Alesh Sanni on Instagram. He described her as his “dearest sister” and said he could not sleep after learning of her death.

Her death came about two years after she publicly disclosed her battle with breast cancer. She later announced her recovery and return to acting in August 2025, saying she was focused on rebuilding her life and using her platform to promote cancer awareness.

Following the death, the Awonuga/Osoba family warned against what it described as false, speculative and unauthorised reports concerning the circumstances surrounding her death. The family urged the public to rely on information from authorised family channels.

Osoba’s burial is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

The funeral service is expected to hold at Saint James Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, followed by her interment at Iperu Remo Cemetery.

Meanwhile, Osoba’s fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, has made claims about the circumstances surrounding her final moments. He alleged that she died at a police station in Ikorodu, Lagos, although he said he did not know the specific station.

Onadeko also rejected speculation that her death was caused by complications from her previous battle with breast cancer, as well as other allegations surrounding her death.

However, members of Osoba’s family have given a different account of her final moments, with her maternal aunt, Pejuola Ogunesan, alleging that Osoba had spoken about her impending death and that her condition deteriorated before she was taken to the hospital.

The conflicting accounts have not been independently established.

Fabiyi’s latest call for an investigation therefore adds to growing calls for clarity over the circumstances surrounding the actress’ death.