The Nigerian movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Nollywood actress, Omotola Odunsi.
Her passing was confirmed on Thursday by fellow actor Akinola Akano, also known as Segbowe, who took to Instagram to share their final conversation alongside emotional tributes and photos. He revealed that the actress had assured him she was recovering just hours before the news of her death broke.
“Motola! Strange but I tried checking on you at the wee hours of that morning. You said you were FINE & BACK! This is a rude shock, Omotola! Journey well, sister. God be with your family,” he wrote.
Although details of the cause of her death remain undisclosed, tributes from Nollywood stars have continued to flood social media.
Renowned actor and filmmaker, Odunlade Adekola, under whom Omotola trained as an actress, also confirmed her death in a brief post on his Instagram story: “Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola.”
Ashabi Simple, actress and mother of singer Portable’s child, expressed her heartbreak, recalling their last encounter on a film set earlier this year where they had discussed collaborating on future projects.
“You’re one of the best actors I’m rooting for. I saw you earlier this year when I was shooting Deputy and we promised to feature each other in our next project. But now, you laboured and didn’t wait to reap,” she wrote, adding, “Most of your wishes didn’t even come true. GOD, we can’t question you. Death is deep.”
Omotola Odunsi left her job as a credit officer in a state-owned bank in 2019 to pursue a full-time acting career—driven by passion and with the support of her family.
She gained professional footing after a successful audition for Odunlade Adekola Films Production in 2018, marking the beginning of a promising career under the mentorship of Odunlade Adekola.
She went on to feature in numerous Yoruba films including Ajanaku, Darkness, Ogo Oluwa, Dagogo, Ariran, Doctor Adunni, Folagbade, President Kuti, Amonata, Officer Adaeze, Ifedayo, Ayanmo Ire, and Lisabi: The Uprising.
Her untimely death has shocked many across the entertainment industry and beyond. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
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