The Nigerian film industry has recorded the loss of several prominent actors and filmmakers in 2026, leaving colleagues, families and fans mourning across the country. The recent death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has further deepened the sense of loss within Nollywood.
From legendary figures who played significant roles in shaping Nigerian theatre, television and Yoruba cinema to younger talents whose promising careers were cut short, these deaths have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Below is a list of Nollywood stars whose deaths were reported in 2026, arranged from the most recent to the earliest.
- Taiwo Hassan — ‘Ogogo’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died in August 2026 at the age of 66.
He died at about 3pm on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, as diclosed by his daughter, Kira Taiwo during a live session on the photo and video sharing platform, Instagram.
His remains were taken to Ilaro, Ogun State, his hometown, where a lying-in-state ceremony was held before his burial according to Islamic rites.
Ogogo’s death came days after his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance for their father, who had been battling stage-four cancer.
Kira disclosed that doctors could no longer administer chemotherapy because of his condition, prompting the family to seek alternative treatment options.
Ogogo was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly in Yoruba-language cinema. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he featured in numerous films and became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema.
- Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died in August 2026 at the age of 40.
She began her acting career in 2005 and featured in several Yoruba-language productions.
Osoba also worked as a dancer and film producer and had spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer.
Her death sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans, who remembered her resilience and contributions to the Yoruba film industry.
- 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 several indigenous productions.
His death added to the growing list of losses recorded by the Yoruba film industry in 2026.
- Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
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.
His career spanned theatre, television and film, earning him recognition as one of the influential figures in Nigerian performing arts.
- Okiki Adeshina — ‘Janmole’
Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026 following injuries sustained in a road accident.
His death shocked colleagues and fans in the Yoruba film industry.
Janmole was one of the actors whose passing added to the losses recorded in the indigenous movie sector during the year.
- Alexx Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died in May 2026 at the age of 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.
His death and funeral generated tributes from colleagues, friends and family members.
- 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 also worked behind the camera and was a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria.
Her death marked another major loss to the Nigerian movie industry.
- Solomon Akiyesi
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026.
His death was reported on April 27, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming the development.
Akiyesi was known for his appearances in several Nollywood productions and had built a reputation within the Nigerian film industry over the years.
- 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 and earned him a place in the hearts of generations of viewers.
- Bamidele Oluwatope — ‘Okemesi’
Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026.
He was a popular figure in the Yoruba film industry, where he was known for his energetic and comic roles.
Okemesi was particularly recognised for combining English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.
His death was mourned by fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry.
- 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, popularly known as Tee Mony, while her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, later confirmed her passing.
Lasisi was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films.
She was buried on the same day according to Islamic rites.
12. Alabi Ogundepo
Veteran Yoruba poet, master Ìjàlà chanter, actor and cultural advocate, Alabi Ogundepo, has died at the age of 84.
Ogundepo, a native of Saki in Oyo State, died on Monday,August 24th, 2026 according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his daughter, Dupe Ogundepo-Falana.
The family did not disclose the cause of his death.
Ogundepo was renowned for his mastery of Ìjàlà, a traditional form of Yoruba oral poetry associated with hunters and the worship of Ogun, the Yoruba deity linked to iron.
Ìjàlà combines praise poetry, historical narration, proverbs, social commentary and accounts of hunting experiences. The oral tradition is also performed during important cultural occasions, including burials, naming ceremonies and palace gatherings.
The deaths of the 12 actors and filmmakers have cut across different generations of Nigeria’s film industry, leaving behind legacies that continue to be remembered by colleagues, fans and loved ones.
