The Nigerian film industry has been hit by a string of deaths in 2026, with veteran performers, filmmakers and younger entertainers among those who have passed away.
From the Yoruba movie circuit to mainstream Nollywood, the deceased made notable contributions to Nigerian entertainment, with their deaths triggering tributes from colleagues, relatives and fans.
The latest major loss was veteran Yoruba actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on August 23, 2026, aged 66.
Hassan’s daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed his death, while fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko also announced the development. He was reportedly battling stage-four cancer before his death and was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24 according to Islamic rites.
Earlier in August, the industry lost actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba, who died at the age of 40 on August 4. Her colleagues announced her death the following day. Osoba, who entered the acting profession in 2005, featured in several Yoruba productions and also worked as a dancer and producer. She had reportedly undergone treatment for breast cancer.
Veteran actor Taiwo Adeshina, known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29 at 66. His death was announced by actor Kunle Afod. Adeshina spent more than two decades in the Yoruba film industry and was recognised for his roles in indigenous productions.
Another prominent loss came with the death of Kola Oyewo, a celebrated actor, theatre scholar and academic. Oyewo died on June 12, aged 80. He began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and later became an influential figure in Nigerian theatre and film. One of his most acclaimed performances was his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.
Yoruba actor and comedian Okiki Adeshina, popularly called Janmole, also died in June after injuries sustained in a road accident. The announcement was made by the President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
Nollywood actor and model Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, aged 40. His family subsequently disclosed that he died at Evercare Hospital, Lagos, from complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer. Ekubo had gained prominence after finishing as first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition and later became a familiar face in contemporary Nollywood.
The industry had earlier lost actress, producer and filmmaker Cecilia Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi. She died on April 27 following a prolonged illness. The Directors Guild of Nigeria announced her death. Kechere was widely remembered for her portrayal of Ms Koi Koi in the comedy film Aki na Ukwa and for her work behind the camera.
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi was also reported dead in April. The Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed his death on April 27. He appeared in several Nigerian film productions throughout his career and became well known to movie audiences.
Another veteran, Davis Offor, popularly called Clarus, died on April 6 at the age of 85. He became famous for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe, the troublesome houseboy, in the classic television comedy series The New Masquerade.
The year’s list of losses also includes Yoruba comic actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, better known as Okemesi, who died in February. He was noted for his lively performances in Yoruba films and digital content, often incorporating English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect into his work.
The deaths have robbed the Nigerian entertainment industry of personalities from different generations whose performances helped shape the country’s theatre, television, cinema and emerging digital entertainment landscape.