Rising Yoruba film actress, Omotola Odunsi, best known for her role in Lisabi: The Uprising, has passed away.
Her colleague, Akinola Akano, popularly known as Segbowe, confirmed the sad news via Instagram on Thursday. In his emotional tribute, he shared photos of the actress along with screenshots of their recent conversation, where she mentioned she had been ill but was recovering.
Segbowe described her passing as an unexpected and painful shock, noting that it occurred shortly after he checked on her.
“Motola! Strange but I tried checking on you at the wee hours of that morning. You said you were FINE & BACK,” he wrote. “This is a rude shock, Omotola. Journey well, sister. God be with your family.”
As of the time of this report, the cause of death remains unknown.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.
Ashabi Simple, actress and mother to singer Portable’s child, mourned Odunsi on Instagram. She recalled their recent meeting on a film set and their plans to collaborate on upcoming projects.
“I’m shocked. You’re one of the best actors I’m rooting for. I saw you earlier this year when I was shooting Deputy, and we promised to work together again,” she wrote. “Most of the dreams you shared with me didn’t even come true. GOD, we can’t question you. Death is deep.”
Popular actor Odunlade Adekola, under whose mentorship Odunsi trained, also reacted to the news. “Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola,” he wrote in a brief but emotional message.
Omotola Odunsi began her acting journey during her 200-level studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she took part in stage performances. She was later selected at an acting audition organized by Adekola and underwent training under his guidance. She graduated in 2023 and went on to feature in several films including Lisabi: The Uprising, Officer Adaeze, Amonata, Ayanmo Ire, and Ifedayo.
Her sudden death has left the Yoruba film industry in mourning.
