Category: Nigerian Tribune

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has described the planned initial public offering of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals as an ‘IPO for the People,’ saying the offer is designed not only to raise more than N2 trillion but also to give Nigerians and other Africans an opportunity to own a stake in the landmark refinery.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the IPO on Monday, Dangote said the offer, priced at N525 per share with a minimum subscription of 10 shares, would support the refinery’s expansion while broadening ownership of the 700,000 barrels-per-day facility.

He said the decision to keep the minimum subscription low was deliberate, stressing that the objective was not simply to maximise proceeds but to enable ordinary Nigerians, including the company’s drivers, cooks, workers and managers, to participate in the ownership of the refinery.

‘This is why we have actually called it the IPO for the People. There is no segregation on who can own these shares. We want every human being living on the continent to be part of this action,’ Dangote said.

According to him, the planned capital raise of ‘just a bit more than N2 trillion’ was relatively small compared with the scale of the refinery and its expansion requirements.

He explained that the wider objective was to create an investment opportunity through which ordinary Nigerians could build long-term wealth from the performance of one of Africa’s largest industrial assets.

Dangote said investors could ultimately use dividends from their holdings to meet significant financial obligations, citing education expenses abroad as an example of the potential long-term benefit of ownership.

The planned offer comes as Dangote Refinery moves into a new phase of expansion after years of construction and commissioning challenges.

Dangote said the journey began more than a decade ago when the company secured financing support from its bankers despite not having finalised the refinery site or obtained all the required licences.

He recalled that the project encountered several setbacks, including difficulties in securing land, noting that the group spent years searching for a suitable location before eventually gaining access to its site in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

The industrialist paid tribute to former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, and incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their roles in supporting the project.

He said the refinery represented more than a commercial investment, describing it as a symbol of what Nigerians and Africans could achieve through determination, capital mobilisation and long-term industrial investment.

According to Dangote, Africa must become more confident in developing its own industrial capacity rather than remaining dependent on external economies.

‘As Nigerians and Africans, we must be bold and lead the change to develop our economies and our continent,’ he said.

He argued that industrialisation would create opportunities and prosperity while strengthening Africa’s negotiating position in the global economy.

The Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said, is focused on ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrialization,’ with energy security at the centre of the strategy.

‘We have learned the hard way, and we cannot industrialise if we do not have energy security,’ Dangote said.

He disclosed that the group was consequently expanding its investment ambitions beyond Nigeria, with plans already announced in countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia.

The refinery, he added, was intended to contribute to Africa’s broader industrial transformation, linking energy security with economic activity across the continent.

Dangote described the 700,000bpd facility as the largest refinery in Africa and the world’s largest single-train refinery, while projecting that it would become the world’s largest refinery by 2028.

He said the IPO was therefore significant not just for Dangote Industries but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The businessman also acknowledged the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Exchange and the financial advisers, issuing houses, brokers, solicitors, auditors, registrars and receiving banks involved in the transaction.

He specifically commended SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama for what he described as constructive regulatory engagement that enabled the offer to progress.

Dangote also praised the refinery’s management and staff, singling out Group Chief Financial Officer Murtaza Eyidin for leading the team responsible for delivering the transaction within a record timeframe.

He said the successful progression of the IPO demonstrated the importance of determination, recalling his long-standing philosophy that ‘nothing is impossible.’

The proposed offer represents one of the most significant attempts to broaden public participation in ownership of a major Nigerian industrial asset, while simultaneously providing capital to support further expansion of the refinery.

Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said none of the major opposition candidates preparing for the 2027 presidential election have what it takes to transform Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, made the assertion while appearing on the MicOn Podcast on Saturday.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress is seeking re-election in 2027, while former Anambra State governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress are among the leading opposition figures expected to challenge him.

Baba-Ahmed argued that many of the major opposition candidates seeking to replace Tinubu had previously been part of the political establishment he blamed for the country’s current difficulties.

He therefore advised Tinubu to prepare to leave office at the end of his tenure, but warned that handing over power to the current crop of opposition contenders would not necessarily produce the change Nigerians desire.

‘I will simply advise uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him,’ he said.

‘Because none of them will improve Nigeria. All those people contesting against him too were all in bed together at some point or another – including Peter Obi. At some point, he was in PDP.’

The former lawmaker said he was advocating a ‘new Nigeria’ and argued that his political history distinguished him from other politicians who had belonged to parties that controlled the Federal Government.

‘Tell me one politician who has never been in a ruling party. I’m the one. Have I ever been in a ruling party?’ he asked.

Baba-Ahmed explained that although he was once a member of the Congress for Progressive Change, he left the party before its merger with other parties that eventually produced the APC.

‘I have never been in a ruling party. When I was in CPC, it was a little opposition party,’ he said.

‘I never had an APC membership card.’

The former LP vice-presidential candidate also commented on the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s records in the United States.

He questioned Atiku’s decision to make the issue a major political point, arguing that the former vice-president had not always been vocal about the matter.

Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu had been allowed to govern but should not seek to prolong his stay in power.

He further accused the president of weakening Nigeria’s political parties during his administration.

‘All he did in three years was to destroy political parties,’ Baba-Ahmed said.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has assured the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Governor Seyi Makinde, and other candidates of the party of bulk votes in Ibarapa zone in 2027.

He said this was in appreciation of the administration’s development strides across the zone.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin gave the assurance in Eruwa, Oyo State, at the grand finale of activities marking the first anniversary of the coronation of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, where the Governor and his wife, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, were installed as the Aare Asoludero and Yeye Aare Asoludero of Ibarapaland, respectively.

The Speaker congratulated the Governor and his wife on the traditional honours, describing the conferment of the titles as a well-deserved recognition of their contributions to the development of Oyo State and the progress of Ibarapaland.

He particularly commended Governor Makinde for the inner road projects in Ibarapa East Local Government, especially in Eruwa, noting that the projects were making a visible impact on communities in the area.

‘Your Excellency, permit me to particularly appreciate you for the inner road projects in Ibarapa East, especially here in Eruwa. These projects are making a visible difference in our communities and demonstrating that the development of our rural and semi-urban communities remains a priority of your administration,’ the Oyo Speaker said.

He also appreciated the Governor for his assurances that similar inner road projects would be extended to Lanlate, saying the commitment had renewed the confidence of residents that no community would be left behind in the administration’s development agenda.

The Speaker further highlighted the ongoing Ido-Eruwa road project, describing it as a major infrastructure intervention connecting Ibarapaland to the wider Oyo State economy.

According to him, the various infrastructure projects being executed by the Makinde administration across the state demonstrate its commitment to improving connectivity and extending development to communities outside the major urban centres.

Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said the people of Ibarapaland had not only seen the projects but were also experiencing their impact, adding that the development strides would influence their political decisions in 2027.

‘Your Excellency, the people of Ibarapaland see these projects, they feel their impact, and they appreciate the fact that development is reaching their communities. As we look ahead to 2027, I have no doubt that Ibarapaland will reciprocate this commitment. The people of Ibarapaland, having witnessed the development taking place under your leadership, will massively demonstrate their appreciation and support at the polls,’ he said.

The Speaker also commended Oba Adegbola and the entire Ibarapa Traditional Council for the conferment of the titles on the Governor and his wife, as well as their continued commitment to peace, unity and development in the region.

He congratulated the Eleruwa and the people of Eruwa on the renovation and expansion of the Eleruwa Palace, describing the project as a fitting highlight of the anniversary celebration and a testament to the importance attached to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional institutions.

The Kogi State Executive Council has approved several projects and policy initiatives covering agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public communication, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his developmental strides.

The decisions were made at the Council meeting presided over by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in Lokoja on Monday.

The Council praised the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway, describing it as a major infrastructure intervention that would improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and create economic opportunities across the North Central and South-South regions.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojoma, said the Council approved and ratified the procurement of fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and other essential farm inputs for farmers.

He said the intervention would support food production during both the wet and dry seasons, adding that agriculture remained a priority of the Ododo administration.

Ojoma also disclosed that Kogi State had made progress towards the take-off of the African Development Bank-supported Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), with necessary studies, qualification processes, and approvals completed.

According to him, land preparation and site allocation had also progressed.

He said the program would strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, create markets for farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Commissioner added that road projects in parts of the Ibaji, Bassa, and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas had received attention, noting that improved access roads would ease the movement of agricultural produce to markets and processing centers.

He further disclosed that the state was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the Bank of Agriculture on initiatives to boost food production, including plans for poultry and egg production centres across the 21 local government areas.

In the information sector, the Council approved the renovation of the headquarters of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Lokoja, and the installation of solar power systems at its radio stations in Ocheja and Okene.

It also approved the introduction of a quarterly media briefing by the Ministry of Information and Communications to provide regular updates on government policies, programs, projects, and achievements.

The State Executive Council further moved to reposition lottery, signage, and food administration through new legislation.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Taiye Abanika, said the Council approved the construction of Phase Two of students’ hostel accommodation at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital in Okene.

He said the approval also covered furniture for the students’ accommodation and doctors’ quarters, adding that the intervention would support students progressing into clinical training.

Abanika disclosed that construction of the Kogi International Airport had commenced, with site clearing, equipment mobilization, and perimeter fencing already underway.

He said the airport would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create opportunities for investment and economic development.

The Commissioner also announced the approval of the End Care Programme, which he said would provide support and welfare benefits to more than 5,000 indigent residents across the state.

He added that implementation of the program would commence soon.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to projects and policies aimed at improving living conditions, strengthening infrastructure, promoting food security, and expanding economic opportunities across Kogi State.

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 11 housemate, Whitney Nneoma Chukwu, popularly known as Nomy, has been disqualified from the reality TV show for repeatedly flouting Big Brother’s instructions and house rules.

Big Brother announced Nomy’s disqualification, citing her continued defiance of his directives, rules, and punishments despite previous warnings.

Nomy had earlier received a final strike during the season after repeatedly disregarding Big Brother’s instructions, alongside complaints about tardiness and selective participation in house activities.

However, the final warning did not appear to change her conduct as she continued to violate Big Brother’s directives.

Consequently, Big Brother revoked her right to remain in the competition, bringing her time on the Season 11 reality show to an abrupt end.

Following the announcement, Nomy was given 30 minutes to pack her belongings and leave the Big Brother house.

Her disqualification means she can no longer compete for the grand prize or take part in the remaining activities of the Season 11 edition, tagged ‘Show Ya Sef.’

Nomy’s exit comes as Big Brother maintains strict disciplinary measures to ensure housemates comply with the rules guiding the competition.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections, urging its officials to prioritise institutional integrity, administrative discipline and effective coordination in the conduct of electoral activities.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the charge in Lagos while speaking at a two-day strategic operational workshop organised for the commission’s Administrative Secretaries.

Amupitan said the credibility and success of elections depended not only on electoral laws and guidelines but also on the commitment, competence and integrity of the officials responsible for implementing them.

He urged the participants to draw lessons from previous electoral exercises, particularly recent off-cycle governorship elections, to strengthen the commission’s operations ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to him, the objective is to establish a consistent operational standard across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The INEC chairman described Administrative Secretaries as critical technical, operational and administrative anchors at the state level, charging them to maintain continuity, enforce administrative discipline and promptly escalate challenges capable of affecting electoral operations.

He also stressed the need for strict adherence to the Constitution, the Electoral Act and established guidelines of the commission.

Amupitan clarified that the position of Chief Accounting Officer of INEC remains vested in the chairman of the commission, rather than being fragmented among state-level structures.

He further called for continuous capacity building and training of administrative personnel, noting that regular training would enhance technical proficiency and minimise operational challenges during elections.

The workshop, held in collaboration with development partners, including DAI and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), is aimed at strengthening coordination between state-level administrative leadership and the commission’s broader electoral objectives.

The engagement forms part of INEC’s broader efforts to improve operational preparedness and institutional effectiveness ahead of the 2027 general elections

The United Kingdom has appointed Alastair Long as its new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to deepen trade and investment ties between Britain and African countries.

Long has formally assumed the position under the UK Department for Business and Trade and is expected to work with African governments, investors, businesses, and institutions to expand commercial partnerships, attract investment, and promote sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The appointment comes as the UK seeks to strengthen its economic engagement with Africa by supporting British and African businesses, improving market access and creating opportunities for increased trade and investment.

Long brings extensive experience of the continent, having served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.

He previously served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023 before returning to the Africa trade portfolio.

Speaking on his new appointment, Long said he was ‘thrilled’ to return to Africa, describing the continent as ‘the future’ and recalling the ‘boundless energy and ambition’ he witnessed during his previous assignments in the region.

‘The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer,’ he said.

He added that he looked forward to engaging with stakeholders across the continent, the UK business community, and government teams to identify and realise opportunities that would benefit both African and British economies.

Long joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2002 and has held several diplomatic and trade positions across the Middle East and North Africa.

His previous assignments include Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Director of Trade and Investment for Saudi Arabia in Riyadh; Regional Director for Trade for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan; Deputy Consul General in Dubai; and Deputy Ambassador and His Majesty’s Consul General in Muscat.

He was educated at Clare College, Cambridge University, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.

Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey described his service as a privilege and said he had worked with partners across Africa to strengthen a relationship based on delivery, trust, and shared economic ambition.

‘Africa is central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially grounded collaboration and sustainable growth,’ Humphrey said.

He expressed confidence that Long would build on the existing momentum of UK engagement in Africa, citing his trade expertise, focus, and experience in the region.

As HMTC for Africa, Long will be responsible for the UK’s trade and investment engagement across the continent, including growing the overall trade and investment relationship, improving market access for British companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and developing trade policy.

He will also work with UK-based government officials, British ambassadors, and the wider diplomatic network to coordinate the UK’s efforts to promote trade, investment, and economic prosperity across Africa.

Nigeria’s real estate and construction sectors are navigating severe cost pressures and shifting demand dynamics, as building material prices surged by as much as 440 per cent between 2019 and 2026.

According to a report by Panterra Real Estate Group, led by Ayo Ibaru, the prices of key structural and finishing materials skyrocketed during the period, with some components rising by as much as 440 per cent relative to their 2019 baseline levels.

The report noted that between 60 per cent and 80 per cent of finishing materials, including tiles, sanitary ware and window fittings, are imported, resulting in widespread reliance on grey-market channels.

The data index by Panterra Real Estate Group attributed the continuous and steep price increases across both locally produced and imported construction materials to rising import exposure, currency depreciation and increasing production costs.

It noted that Nigeria’s acute housing deficit was putting additional pressure on property development across the country.

According to the report, the prices of key building materials increased significantly between 2019 and 2026. Roofing sheets, for instance, surged by 440 per cent per square metre, driven largely by rising logistics costs and foreign exchange exposure, with aluminium roofing recording some of the largest price swings.

During the period, the price of iron rods increased by 410 per cent per tonne. The report said steel prices remained highly volatile due to the continuous depreciation of the naira and the high cost of imported scrap metal.

Similarly, the price of a 50-kilogramme bag of cement increased by 367 per cent, with retail prices rising from about N2,500 in 2019 to N14,000 in 2026.

The price of a standard six-inch block also increased by 275 per cent, closely tracking the rise in cement prices and further amplified by higher labour and sand costs.

‘PVC pipes (per roll) grew by 240 per cent (Index: 340). This category recorded a relatively moderate increase as domestic manufacturing partially cushioned direct import exposure,’ Ibaru noted in the report.

The report highlighted underlying structural constraints within Nigeria’s building supply chain as a major reason material prices continue to rise faster than broader inflation.

According to the report, three major players, Dangote, BUA and Lafarge now HMB, control approximately 70 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic cement market, while power costs account for roughly 30 per cent of total manufacturing expenditure.

The report also cited underutilised steel production capacity, noting that local steel mills, including Delta Steel, have historically operated at less than 30 per cent capacity, leaving the market heavily reliant on imported steel products.

‘Steel costs remain volatile due to ongoing naira depreciation and the high cost of imported scrap,’ the report stated.

The Panterra report also identified unregulated timber supply as one of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s real estate and construction sectors.

According to the report, wood remains locally available but is largely unregulated, while accelerating deforestation is compounding long-term supply risks.

Meanwhile, homebuilders, property developers and built-environment professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), among others, have warned that uncontrolled increases in building material prices threaten the provision of affordable housing across major urban areas.

A former President of the NIOB, Mr Kunle Awobodu, said developers were being forced to renegotiate project contracts midway through construction because of unpredictable increases in material costs.

‘We are having to renegotiate project contracts midway through execution,’ Awobodu said.

‘When a single bag of cement moves from N2,500 to over N14,000 in a few years, standard project contingency budgets simply can’t absorb the shock,’ he added.

A member of the House of Representatives and Oyo South Senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, has called on indigenes of Oyo state to rally behind the presidential ambition of the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, describing his emergence as an opportunity for the state to project one of its own into the national political stage.

Olajide, in a statement on Monday made available to journalists by his Special Adviser Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha on the 2027 presidential election, said Makinde’s emergence as the APM presidential candidate had created a major political development for Oyo state, urging indigenes across political divides to recognize the importance of having an Oyo son in the presidential race and give him the necessary support.

According to him, Makinde’s presidential bid should be seen beyond partisan politics, as it represents an opportunity for the people of Oyo state to demonstrate solidarity with one of their own seeking the highest elective office in the country. He urged Oyo state indigenes at home and in the diaspora to rally around the aspiration.

‘Charity begins from home. When one of our own has stepped forward to seek the presidency, Oyo state should be the first to support him. This is a moment for us to stand together and show the nation that we can support one of our own when the opportunity comes,’ Olajide said.

The lawmaker said Makinde had, through his years in public service and tenure as governor, established himself as a prominent political figure from the state, adding that his presidential ambition had further elevated Oyo state’s profile in national politics. He called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies, professionals, youths and other stakeholders in the state to support and promote the aspiration.

Olajide, however, stressed that supporting Makinde did not mean abandoning individual political convictions, but recognizing the significance of an Oyo state indigene seeking the presidency. ‘This is our own. Let us give him our support, allow Nigerians to hear his message and let the people ultimately decide,’ he said.

Many of these actors helped shape Nigerian theatre and Yoruba cinema to contemporary Nollywood stars who made their mark on television, film and digital platforms. The industry has lost several notable personalities this year.

In this article Tribune online recalls some popular Nollywood actors whose deaths have been reported in 2026, arranged from the most recent.

Taiwo Hassan – ‘Ogogo’

Veteran Yoruba actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Hassan, while fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed the development. Hassan reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer.

The actor was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24.

Temitope Osoba

Yoruba actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died on August 4, 2026, at the age of 40.

Her death was announced by colleagues on August 5, with reports noting that she had previously battled breast cancer and undergone treatment.

Osoba began her acting career in 2005 after reportedly being discovered during a movie rehearsal. She went on to feature in several Yoruba-language productions and also worked as a dancer and film producer.

Taiwo Adeshina – ‘Elegbeje Ado’

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026, at the age of 66.

His death was announced by fellow actor Kunle Afod, while reports said he died after a brief illness.

Adeshina built a career spanning more than two decades in the Yoruba film industry and was recognised for his appearances in indigenous productions.

Kola Oyewo

Veteran actor, theatre scholar and academic Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.

His death was announced by actor Kunle Afod and later confirmed by members of his family.

Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to become an influential figure in Nigerian theatre and film.

He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, a performance that earned him recognition beyond Nigeria.

Okiki Adeshina – ‘Janmole’

Yoruba actor and comedian Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026 following injuries sustained in a road accident.

His death was announced by TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.

Alexx Ekubo

Nollywood actor and model Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.

His family later confirmed that he died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

Ekubo became one of the recognisable faces of contemporary Nollywood after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition.

Oby Kechere – ‘Madam Koi Koi’

Actress, filmmaker and producer Cecilia Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

Her death was announced by the Directors Guild of Nigeria, of which she was a member.Kechere was widely remembered for playing Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.

She joined the Nigerian film industry in the early 2000s and also worked behind the camera as a filmmaker and producer.

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 featured in several Nollywood productions during his career and became a familiar face to Nigerian movie audiences.

Davis Offor – ‘Clarus’

Veteran actor Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.

Offor became famous for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe, the mischievous houseboy, in the classic Nigerian television comedy series The New Masquerade.

Bamidele Oluwatope – ‘Okemesi’

Yoruba actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026. The comic actor was known for his energetic performances in Yoruba films and his work as a content creator.

Okemesi was also recognised for combining English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.His death was announced by fellow actor Jeff Owolewa, popularly known as Tony Montana.