The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba at the age of 40.
The actress’ passing was confirmed on Wednesday by actor Alesh Sanni, who paid an emotional tribute to her in a post shared on Instagram.
Expressing his grief, Sanni wrote that he was struggling to come to terms with the loss, describing Osoba as a dear sister with whom he shared many memorable moments.
Actress Bimpe Akintunde also reacted to the news, saying she was devastated by Osoba’s death. In her tribute, she described the late actress as someone who fought courageously through difficult times and offered prayers for her peaceful rest. Akintunde added that the loss had left her heartbroken and announced she would be taking a break from social media.
As of the time of this report, the cause of Osoba’s death had not been officially disclosed.
Osoba was widely recognised for her performances in Yoruba films, including Ile Owo, Omo Iya Kan and Gucci Girls, earning a reputation as one of the industry’s familiar faces.
In late 2024, the actress revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38. She disclosed that doctors informed her the treatment could affect her ability to conceive for up to five years, describing the news as one of the most difficult moments of her life.
Her treatment included two surgeries and radiation therapy, with financial and emotional support from colleagues such as Foluke Daramola and Alesh Sanni.
After recovering, Osoba returned to acting in 2025 and became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritise early detection and regular medical checks.
In December 2025, she celebrated her 40th birthday with a heartfelt reflection on her journey, saying she had overcome fear, pain and uncertainty to embrace life with renewed gratitude. She said surviving cancer taught her the fragility of life and strengthened her resolve to live with purpose.
Following news of her death, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans and members of the entertainment industry, many remembering Osoba for her talent, resilience and positive impact both on and off the screen.
