The Nigerian film industry has suffered several losses in 2026, with veteran actors, actresses and other prominent practitioners passing away at different times.
From performers who became household names through classic Nigerian television and Yoruba theatre to contemporary Nollywood stars, their deaths have left colleagues, families and fans mourning.
Here are 10 Nollywood stars whose deaths were reported in 2026:
Ajara Lasisi popularly known as Aunty Ajara
1. Ajara Lasisi — ‘Aunty Ajara’
Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
Her death was announced by filmmaker Tobi Oladele, also known as Tee Mony, while her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, subsequently confirmed her passing.
Lasisi was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films. She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Late actor Tope Okemesi
2. Bamidele Oluwatope — ‘Okemesi’
Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026.
He is described as a popular actor in the Yoruba film industry known for his energetic and comic roles.
He was particularly known for combining English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.
Davis Offor popularly known as Clarus
3. Davis Offor — ‘Clarus’
Veteran actor Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
He was best remembered for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic Nigerian television comedy series The New Masquerade.
His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him one of the memorable faces of Nigerian television comedy.
Nollywood actor, Solomon Akiyesi
4. Solomon Akiyesi
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026.
PUNCH reported his death on April 27, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming the demise. He was known for his appearances in several Nollywood productions and had built a reputation within the Nigerian film industry.
Oby Kechere also knoiwn as Madam Koi Koi
5. Oby Kechere — ‘Madam Koi Koi’
Actress, filmmaker and producer Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
She became widely known for playing Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.
Kechere was also involved in filmmaking behind the camera and was a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria. Vanguard confirmed her April 27 death in its roundup of Nollywood personalities who died in 2026.
6. Alexx Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died in May 2026, aged 40.
He became one of the recognisable faces of contemporary Nollywood after emerging as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition.
Ekubo featured in films including A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.
PUNCH subsequently published several reports on his death and funeral, including tributes from colleagues and his family.
7. Okiki Adeshina — ‘Janmole’
Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026 following injuries sustained in a road accident.
He was one of the actors whose death added to the losses recorded in the Yoruba film industry during the year.
Late Nollywood Actor, Kola Oyewo
8. Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
His death was confirmed by fellow actor Kunle Afod and subsequently reported by PUNCH.
Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and became one of the most respected figures in Nigerian theatre and film.
He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.
Nollywood actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado
9. Taiwo Adeshina — ‘Elegbeje Ado’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026, after a brief illness.
He was known for his contributions to Yoruba-language cinema and featured in a number of indigenous productions.
PUNCH reported his death on June 30.
Photo: Late Temitope Osoba
10. Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died in August 2026, aged 40.
She began her acting career in 2005 and featured in several Yoruba-language productions.
Osoba also worked as a dancer and film producer during her career and was known to have spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer.
Their legacies live on
The deaths have cut across different generations of Nigeria’s film industry. While some were celebrated veterans who helped shape Nigerian theatre, television and indigenous cinema, others belonged to a younger generation that was taking Nollywood in new directions.
Their performances, characters and contributions to the industry, however, remain part of the Nigerian entertainment story.
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