Yoruba Nollywood Mourns Sudden Death of Actress Omotola Odunsi

The Yoruba film industry is grieving the sudden loss of fast-rising actress Omotola Odunsi, whose death was confirmed on Thursday, July 31, 2025, by fellow actor Akinola Akano, known as Segbowe. In an emotional Instagram tribute, Akano shared photos of Odunsi and screenshots of their final conversation, where she had assured him she was recovering from an illness. “Motola! Strange but I tried checking on you at the wee hours of that morning. You said you were FINE & BACK! This is a rude shock, Omotola! Journey well, sister. God be with your family,” he wrote.

Odunsi, a promising talent mentored by veteran actor Odunlade Adekola, gained recognition for her roles in films such as Lisabi: The Uprising, Officer Adaeze, Amonata, Ayanmo Ire, and Ifedayo. Having studied Microbiology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, she left a banking job in 2019 to pursue acting full-time after joining Adekola’s film school, graduating in 2023.

The cause of her death remains undisclosed, and her family has not issued an official statement. Colleagues like Bakare Zainab, who posted, “Goodnight. Omotola rest well,” and Ashabi Simple, who recalled recent collaborations and unfulfilled plans, expressed profound shock. Odunlade Adekola also mourned her, writing, “Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola.” The outpouring of tributes from fans and peers highlights Odunsi’s warmth, talent, and growing impact in Yoruba cinema.

Source: African Publicity