The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has recorded several losses in 2026, with veteran actors, actresses and younger performers dying at different times throughout the year.

The deaths have affected different generations of entertainers, including celebrated figures who helped shape Nigerian cinema and television, as well as emerging talents whose careers were still developing.

Among those who died were veteran actors Olu Jacobs, Francis Duru, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, and Kola Oyewo, alongside younger performers such as Alexx Ekubo and Temitope Osoba.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40 After Health Battle

The latest loss was veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu, whose death was confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, on November 6.

Below is a compilation of 18 Nollywood actors and actresses whose deaths were reported in 2026.

See list below

1. Diewait Ikpechukwu – November 6

Veteran Nollywood actor Diewait Ikpechukwu died at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.

His death was confirmed on November 6 by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, who paid tribute to the late actor.

Ikpechukwu was particularly recognised for portraying traditional rulers, elders and authoritative characters in Nigerian movies.

He featured in productions including Evil Men, The Guilty, Python King, Omera and The August Meeting. He also served as the pioneer chairman of the AGN Enugu State chapter.

2. Francis Duru – October 23

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru died at the age of 57 following a brief illness.

His family announced his death on October 23 in a statement shared on his verified Instagram account.

Duru was one of the recognisable faces of Nollywood, having built a career spanning more than three decades.

He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ahanna in the 1995 film Rattlesnake. He also featured in several productions, including Blood Money and Merry Men.

The actor won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

3. Olu Jacobs – September 16

Veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, died on September 16 at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his wife, actress Joke Silva, and their son, bringing an end to the life of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated screen personalities.

Jacobs had a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.

He appeared in numerous Nigerian and international productions and became widely respected for his versatility and commanding screen presence.

Alongside his wife, he was also associated with the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to the training of emerging talents in the entertainment industry.

4. Atinuke Remilekun Kareem – September 1

Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem died after battling breast cancer.

Her death was announced on September 1 by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

Before her death, Kareem had publicly appealed for financial assistance to support her cancer treatment.

Her passing added to the losses recorded in the Yoruba movie industry during the year.

5. Taiwo Hassan – August 23

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23 at the age of 66 following a battle with stage-four cancer.

His death was confirmed through a burial announcement by fellow actor Jide Kosoko, while his family had earlier appealed for financial assistance towards his medical treatment.

Ogogo spent more than four decades in the Nigerian film industry and became one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema.

He featured in hundreds of productions and earned recognition for his performances in traditional, contemporary and action-themed Yoruba films.

6. Temitope Osoba – August 5

Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died on August 5 at the age of 40.

She began her acting career in 2005 and featured in several Yoruba-language productions, including Ogun Mi, Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru and Accident.

Apart from acting, Osoba worked as a dancer and film producer.

She had previously spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer, with her death prompting tributes from colleagues and fans.

7. Taiwo Adeshina – June 29

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29 following a brief illness.

His death was confirmed by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi and actor Kunle Afod.

Adeshina spent more than two decades in the Yoruba movie industry and was known for his performances in traditional and historical productions.

His film credits included Akeke, Oko Abiku, Kadara Mi and Ageku Abela.

8. Kola Oyewo – June 12

Veteran actor, dramatist and academic Kola Oyewo died on June 12 at the age of 80.

His death was confirmed by fellow actor Kunle Afod and his son, Adetoyese Oyewo.

Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and later became one of the influential figures in Nigerian theatre and cinema.

He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s stage classic The Gods Are Not to Blame.

His film credits included Saworoide, Koseegbe and O Le Ku.

9. Omooba Oluwasegun Oyeyemi – June 10

Actor Omooba Oluwasegun Oyeyemi died on June 10.

He was particularly known for his role as Flora’s husband in the Mount Zion Christian film series Abattoir.

His death was announced by the Bowen University Alumni Association, which described him as a cherished alumnus and drama minister.

The association also appealed for prayers and support for his family following his death.

10. Okiki Adeshina – June 2

Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died following injuries sustained in a road accident.

His death was announced by the President of TAMPAN, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.

Adeshina was known for his performances in Yoruba-language films and had also ventured into TikTok content creation.

His movie credits included Agunbaniro, Iyawo Asante and Ogbon Inu.

11. Fesogboye Oyewole – May 29

Veteran Yoruba actor Fesogboye Oyewole, popularly known as Feso Oyewole, died on May 29.

His family confirmed his death, while TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan also paid tribute to the late actor.

Oyewole spent several years in the Yoruba movie industry and was recognised for his contributions to indigenous cinema.

12. Patrick Okoye – May 2026

Actor, lecturer and theatre practitioner Patrick Okoye, popularly known as Energy, died in May at the age of 41.

His death was announced through a post on his Instagram page, while fellow actor Ken Erics also confirmed the development.

Okoye was a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

He was also a singer, dancer and choreographer, with appearances in productions including Midnight Love, Old School, Finding a Wife and The Jagaban.

13. Alexx Ekubo – May 13

Popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died at the age of 40 following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

His family announced his death on May 13 in a statement shared on his verified Instagram page.

Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before establishing himself as a recognised actor.

He featured in several productions, including The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Blood Covenant and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.

His death generated widespread reactions across the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his contributions.

14. Oby Kechere – April 27

Nigerian actress and film director Cecilia Oby Kechere died on April 27 following a prolonged illness.

The Directors Guild of Nigeria announced her death in a statement signed by its National President, Uche Agbo.

Kechere was widely recognised for playing Ms Koi Koi in the 2002 comedy classic Aki na Ukwa.

She joined Nollywood in 2001 and also featured in productions including August Meeting, Aki na Ukwa 2, Final Surrender and Women Affair.

Beyond acting, she was a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria and served as Vice Chairman of its Abuja chapter.

15. Solomon Akiyesi – April 26

Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi died on April 26.

His death was confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, who disclosed that the actor died in his sleep.

Akiyesi joined Nollywood in the late 1990s and built a career spanning more than two decades.

He featured in over 100 films, including Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair and Desperate Ladies.

16. Davis Ofor – April 6

Veteran actor Davis Ofor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6 at the age of 85.

His death was announced by fellow actor Tony Akposheri, who paid tribute to him on social media.

Ofor became famous for his portrayal of Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the popular Nigerian television comedy series The New Masquerade.

His performance in the programme made him one of the memorable characters in Nigerian television history.

17. Bamidele Oluwatope – February 24

Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died on February 24.

He was known for his comic performances and distinctive use of Yoruba, English and the Ekiti dialect in his acting and online content.

His death was mourned by colleagues and fans, particularly within the Yoruba movie industry.

18. Ajara Lasisi – February 5

Yoruba actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5 following a prolonged illness.

Her death was announced by filmmaker Tobi Oladele, popularly known as Tee Mony, and subsequently confirmed by her brother, Ridwan Lasisi.

She was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language productions and was buried on the day of her death in accordance with Islamic rites.

Nollywood remembers its departed stars

The deaths recorded in 2026 have left a significant gap in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with performers from different generations passing away.

While some of the deceased spent decades building their careers and shaping Nigerian cinema, others were younger talents whose contributions were still unfolding.

Their deaths have also drawn attention to the challenges faced by entertainers, including prolonged illnesses, the cost of medical treatment and road accidents.

Despite their absence, their performances, creative contributions and influence on Nigerian cinema remain part of Nollywood’s history.

Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have returned to Abuja following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, where they were received by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters.

The Flamingos made history on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to win their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African team to lift the trophy.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the historic victory for Nigeria, capping an impressive campaign by the young players.

SEE ALSO: Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy

The triumph followed another successful outing at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Flamingos recorded five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

Head coach Hakeem Busari has described the team’s achievement as the outcome of sustained development, resilience and tactical discipline.

Speaking after the final, Busari said the performance of African teams at the tournament reflected the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football on the continent.

“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.

The coach also explained that his technical crew carefully studied Japan’s playing style before the final, particularly the team’s ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind defensive lines.

He said the Flamingos adjusted their approach to limit Japan’s attacking opportunities, describing the encounter as a tactical contest that required collective defending, discipline and effective game management.

Busari expressed optimism that more African teams would progress to the latter stages of future editions of the competition.

Tinubu Congratulates Flamingos

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Flamingos on their historic achievement, describing the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received the news following his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country.

“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up,” Tinubu said.

The President recalled that the players had promised to bring the trophy home following their semi-final victory, commending them for fulfilling their promise.

He particularly applauded Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the decisive goals, while praising the entire squad for their teamwork and determination throughout the tournament.

Tinubu also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the historic success.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their sporting potential.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as a dangerous attempt to weaken the opposition through judicial controversies, following a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, affecting the party’s leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The party alleged that the judgment, which reportedly sacked the Senator David Mark-led leadership and invalidated Atiku’s candidacy, was a desperate attempt to undermine the opposition and deny Nigerians the right to freely choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SEE ALSO: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Sowore, ADC Governorship Candidate, Accuses APC of Intimidation

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday, the ADC linked the timing of the judgment to the massive turnout at its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, which took place barely 24 hours earlier.

The party claimed that the rally, which attracted thousands of supporters, had triggered panic within the ruling APC and accelerated the delivery of the judgment.

“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” the statement read.

The ADC argued that the judgment went beyond the political ambitions of Atiku and David Mark, warning that its implications could affect thousands of candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.

It maintained that the development threatened the democratic rights of Nigerians and the participation of opposition candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The party also questioned the legal basis of the judgment, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.

According to the ADC, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.

The party argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over, review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.

It said it would challenge the latest judgment through every available judicial process, adding that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) to establish its precise terms, scope and operative orders.

The ADC further accused the APC of using judicial processes to frustrate opposition parties whenever they gained political momentum.

Warning against what it described as an attempt to eliminate political competition, the party said the peace and stability of Nigeria should not be sacrificed for the political ambitions of any individual or party.

“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” the statement added.

The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to submit themselves to a free and fair electoral contest if they were confident in their performance and popularity.

“Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, not to the APC. The presidency is not an inheritance. If the President thinks he has performed well in office, why is he afraid of competition?” the ADC asked.

The controversy comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the court judgment raising fresh questions about the ADC’s leadership and the status of candidates contesting under its platform.