The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Yoruba Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba at the age of 40.
News of her passing was announced on Wednesday by fellow actor Alesh Sanni, who paid an emotional tribute to the late actress on Instagram.
Although the cause of her death had not been disclosed as of the time of reporting, Osoba’s passing comes about two years after she publicly revealed her battle with cancer and appealed for financial support for treatment.
Sanni expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Osoba as a beloved sister and recalling the memorable moments they shared throughout their friendship. In his emotional message, he said the news of her death left him unable to sleep, noting that he was struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking development.
“I couldn’t sleep since last night. It’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together. Till we meet again. I really don’t what to say,” he wrote.
The actress’ death also drew reactions from other members of the Nigerian movie industry.
Actress Adeyemo Seilat mourned Osoba in a post shared on her Instagram Reel, lamenting the death of another young entertainer. She described life as fleeting and prayed for the late actress to find eternal rest.
Osoba’s death comes after a remarkable period of resilience that saw her overcome a highly publicised battle with cancer. During her illness, she openly sought public support for medical treatment, receiving sympathy and encouragement from fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry.
Following her recovery, the actress announced her return to Nollywood on August 4, 2025, describing her experience with cancer as a life-changing journey that transformed her outlook on life and career. She said the difficult period had reshaped and rebuilt her, giving her renewed strength and a greater desire to inspire others through her personal story.
She also revealed that the next phase of her life would focus on healing, personal growth, and empowering people facing similar health challenges through cancer awareness.
