The Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of actress Temitope Osoba, who died after a prolonged illness at the age of 40.
Osoba’s death comes barely a year after she made an emotional return to the screen following her recovery from breast cancer, a journey she openly shared to encourage others facing similar health challenges.
News of her passing emerged on Wednesday after fellow Nollywood actor Alesh Sanni announced it in an emotional Instagram post.
Paying tribute to the late actress, Sanni described her as a dear sister with whom he shared unforgettable memories throughout their years in the movie industry.
“Couldn’t sleep since last night, it’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together, till we meet again. I really dunno what to say mehn, gosh,” he wrote.
Before her death, Osoba shared an emotional video on Instagram in August 2025, thanking her fans, colleagues and well-wishers for their unwavering prayers, financial support and words of encouragement throughout her battle with the disease.
She described the experience as a turning point that transformed her outlook on life and inspired her to rebuild both her personal life and acting career.
“Dear beloved fans, supporters, and loved ones, I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction. This journey has been a turning point, leading to my rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding. I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others,” she said.
Osoba had revealed that she discovered a lump in her breast during a routine self-examination in late 2024. Although an initial medical assessment linked it to hormonal changes, further tests later confirmed it was cancer after the lump continued to grow.
She underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove the tumour and later had a second operation to eliminate the remaining cancerous cells before gradually recovering and returning to acting.
Her openness about the illness earned her widespread admiration, with many describing her as a symbol of courage and hope. By sharing her experience publicly, she also helped raise awareness about the importance of early detection, regular medical check-ups and breast self-examination.
Osoba’s death has thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in from colleagues, fans and industry stakeholders celebrating her life, resilience and contributions to Nollywood.