Just six months into 2026, the Nigerian entertainment industry has been rocked by the deaths of several top celebrities. Their passing has left fans, colleagues, and the wider community in mourning. Here is a look at the Nigerian celebrities who have died so far this year.
Kola Oyewo
Veteran Nigerian actor, Kola Oyewo, passed away on Friday night, June 12th, at the age of 80.
Announcing the late Nollywood icon’s death, Kunle Afod, via his Instagram, however, did not disclose the official cause of death or any further details surrounding the incident
Sharing his photo, Afod wrote: “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest well, sir. Your work lives on.”
Okiki Adesina
Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and comedian Okiki Adesina, famously known as “Janmole,” tragically passed away on June 2nd following a fatal car accident.
Bolaji Amusan, the filmmaker and President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), announced the heartbreaking news via Instagram.
He wrote: “May the soul of our departed colleague, Adesina Okiki Janmole, who tragically lost his life in an accident, rest in perfect peace
“May God grant his family, friends, and colleagues the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. He will be greatly missed. Amen.”
Gospel singer, Tawio Adegbodu
A Nigerian gospel singer, Tawio Adegbodu, passed away after a brief illness on the 1st of March.
Until death, Tawio sang alongside his brother, Samuel Kehinde Adegbolu, and they were renowned for their work in the entertainment industry.
The twins were admired not only for their musical talent but also for their dedication to Christian music, making them prominent figures in Nigeria’s Christian music scene.
Alex Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died on 11 May at the age of 40 after a battle with cancer. According to a statement by the actor’s family, he passed away following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer at Evercare Hospital.
Before his death was confirmed, there had been public concern about his absence from social media, as he had not been active on Instagram since 2024. Actress Oma Nnadi had earlier addressed the speculation, urging the public not to spread concerns about his well-being and noting that not everyone needed to be active online.
Patrick Okoye
Veteran Nigerian actor and lecturer Patrick Okoye, who is better known as Mr Energy, joined the elongating list of Nigerian celebrities who have passed away in 2026 following the announcement of his death on Thursday, May 28, by the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
According to Dr Nkemakonam Aniukwu, the Head of Department, Okoye, a member of the university community, passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The department described the late actor and teacher as a vibrant soul, a distinguished personality in Nollywood, an exceptional teacher, and a mentor who touched many lives through his work in the entertainment industry and academics.
The statement noted that his death came as a painful shock to colleagues, students, friends, and everyone who knew him. It added that his passing has created a huge void that will be difficult to fill.
Actress Wasila Isma’il
On May 25th, the Hausa film industry was thrown into mourning following the loss of veteran Kannywood actress Wasila Isma’il.
The actress passed away at 46 after a long illness.
Wasila’s husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, had confirmed her passing in a social media post, disclosing that she died at FOMWAN Hospital in Kaduna.
Born in Kaduna, she began her acting career in 1998 with the film Jinin Masoya.
She became well known for her roles in Hausa films and gained prominence after starring in the 1999 film Wasila, directed by Yakubu Lere and starring Ali Nuhu.
Since her passing, fans and colleagues have shared tributes on social media, remembering her contributions to the Kannywood film industry.
Bunmi Akinnanu
Popular Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, widely known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” was one of the celebrities who died in the beginning of the year. passed away.
Her death comes shortly after Segun Arole, pastor of Holy Holy Church, expressed concern about the whereabouts of gospel singer who has been struggling with a long-term illness.
As of the time of filing this report, the family has yet to issue an official statement, with further details expected to be communicated later.
The singer’s passing comes months after she publicly appealed for prayers and divine healing while battling a serious leg ailment.
Singer Destiny Boy
Destiny Boy died earlier this year at the age of 22. His death sparked widespread reactions online, with videos and voice notes linked to his final days circulating on social media.
Following his death, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the case had been transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department. Police said one suspect had been arrested as investigations into the circumstances surrounding
Oby Kechere
Nigerian actress and film director, Oby Kechere, widely recognised for her memorable role as Ms Koi Koi in the 2002 comedy classic Aki na Ukwa, has reportedly passed away.
The Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), signed by Uche Agu, DGN of the guild, confirmed the news in a statement released on May 2nd, revealing that the thespian passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, after a long illness.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Madam Cecilia Oby Kechere. On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire DGN family, I extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones,” the statement in part reads.
Actor Solomon Akiyesi
The death of Veteran Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi had thrown the entire film community into mourning.
Reports say Akiyesi went to bed on Sunday night and did not wake up the next morning. His wife shared the sad news with family and close friends.
Akiyesi was known for his roles in popular films like Desperate Ladies, Pretty Liars, Bridge of Contract, and Heart of a Saint. Over many years, he worked as an actor, director, and entrepreneur.
Colleagues and fans across the industry are sharing tributes, remembering his impact on Nollywood and his roots in Ososo, Akoko-Edo.
The family has not yet announced details about his burial arrangements.
Umar Ascon
Kannywood actor Umar Ascon, popularly known for playing Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono in the long-running TV series Garwashi, died on March, 14 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after a long illness.
Kannywood producer and neighbour Abubakar Yahaya Matinko confirmed Ascon’s death.
He is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters.
Umar Ascon’s funeral prayer took place at Al-Masjlisul Islami Mosque near Gade-Gade Filling Station, and he was buried according to Islamic rites.
Actor Timothy Agboola
Veteran Yoruba broadcaster cum comic actor Timothy Agboola, popularly known as “Ereke Ni Shop,” died on the 12th of March at a private hospital in Lagos after a long illness.
Agboola was well known for his work in Yoruba broadcasting, comedy, and promoting culture. He was seen as a passionate cultural ambassador and a proud supporter of Ijesa culture and tradition.
Colleagues and admirers have started sharing tributes after news of his death.
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Davis Ofor
Veteran Nollywood actor Rev Davis Ofor, aka Clarus, who was popular back in the day for his role in the NTA New Masquerade comedy show, also died this year, precisely April 7th.
Actor Tony Akposheri announced the sad news on Instagram, disclosing that they spent the last Christmas Eve laughing, talking, and sharing fond memories.
Expressing grief, Akposheri noted that Clarus’s death was hard to believe.
Sharing photos they took together, he wrote: “Veteran actor Davis Ofor, fondly known as Davis Ofor, our own Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.
“Life, as always, had its own plans. You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humor, and a presence that could light up any space. Knowing you personally was a gift I will always be grateful for.
