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.