Nollywood has suffered several major losses in 2026, with actors from different generations passing away throughout the year.
The deaths have affected both the Yoruba film industry and the wider Nigerian entertainment scene. Some of the stars were industry veterans who spent decades on stage and screen. Others were younger performers whose careers ended unexpectedly.
Here are 11 Nollywood stars whose deaths were reported in 2026.
1. Taiwo Hassan — ‘Ogogo’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died in August 2026 at the age of 66.
The actor reportedly died at about 3pm on Sunday. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko announced his death on Instagram.
His remains were later taken to Ilaro, Ogun State, his hometown. A lying-in-state ceremony followed before his burial.
Ogogo had reportedly battled stage-four cancer. His daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had earlier appealed for medical assistance.
The veteran actor spent more than four decades in the industry. He featured in hundreds of films and became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema.
2. Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died in August 2026 at the age of 40.
Osoba began her acting career in 2005. She went on to feature in several Yoruba-language productions.
Beyond acting, she worked as a dancer and film producer. She also spoke publicly about her battle with breast cancer.
Her death triggered tributes from colleagues and fans across the Yoruba film industry.
3. Taiwo Adeshina — ‘Elegbeje Ado’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026.
He reportedly died after a brief illness.
Adeshina contributed to Yoruba-language cinema for several years. He also appeared in numerous indigenous productions.
His death added to the growing list of losses suffered by the Yoruba film industry this year.
4. Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
Oyewo started his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.
He later became one of the most respected figures in Nigerian theatre and film.
Many Nigerians remember him for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.
His career covered theatre, television and film. He also influenced generations of Nigerian performers.
5. Okiki Adeshina — ‘Janmole’
Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026.
The actor reportedly died after sustaining injuries in a road accident.
His death shocked colleagues and fans in the Yoruba film industry.
Janmole’s passing became another painful loss for the indigenous movie sector.
6. Alexx Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died in May 2026 at the age of 40.
He became a familiar face in contemporary Nollywood after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition.
Ekubo appeared in several films during his career. His credits included A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.
His death generated widespread reactions from colleagues, friends and fans.
7. Oby Kechere — ‘Madam Koi Koi’
Actress, filmmaker and producer Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026.
She reportedly died after a prolonged illness.
Kechere became known for playing Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.
She also worked behind the camera and belonged to the Directors Guild of Nigeria.
8. Solomon Akiyesi
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed his death after reports emerged on April 27.
Akiyesi appeared in several Nollywood productions during his career.
He built a reputation as a familiar face in the Nigerian film industry.
9. Davis Offor — ‘Clarus’
Veteran actor Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
He became famous for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic television comedy series The New Masquerade.
His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him a memorable figure in Nigerian television.
Many viewers who grew up watching the series still remember his character.
10. Bamidele Oluwatope — ‘Okemesi’
Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026.
He was known for his energetic and comic roles in Yoruba productions.
Okemesi also created online content and often combined English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances.
His death drew tributes from fans and entertainment colleagues.
11. Ajara Lasisi — ‘Aunty Ajara’
Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026.
She reportedly died after a prolonged illness.
Filmmaker Tobi Oladele, popularly known as Tee Mony, announced her death. Her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, later confirmed the news.
Lasisi was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films.
She was buried on the day of her death according to Islamic rites.
Their legacies live on
The deaths recorded in 2026 have affected different generations of Nigerian performers.
Some of the stars were veterans who helped shape Nigerian theatre, television and indigenous cinema. Others belonged to a younger generation that brought new energy to Nollywood.
Their careers may have ended, but their work remains part of Nigeria’s entertainment history.
From memorable television characters to acclaimed film performances, these Nollywood stars left behind legacies that will continue to influence audiences and future generations of performers.
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