Popular Actress Temitope Osoba Dies of Cancer at 40

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Yoruba actress and producer Temitope Osoba, who passed away at the age of 40 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Osoba, also known as Tope Osoba, died on Tuesday evening, August 4, 2026, just over a year after she joyfully announced her return to acting following her recovery from the disease.

Her colleague and close associate, actor Alesh Ola Sanni, confirmed the news in an emotional post on Instagram, expressing his deep grief over the loss.

Sanni wrote, “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”. Other colleagues, including Foluke Daramola-Salako and Oladipupo Okanlawon, also announced her passing on social media.

Born on December 2, 1985, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Osoba was raised by her grandparents after losing her parents at a young age.

She began her acting career in 2005 after an accidental entry into the industry when she visited a movie rehearsal location in Lagos and was selected on the spot for a dancing role in Laide Bakare’s film “Ijoya”. She rose to fame with major roles in films such as “Oogun Mi,” “Gucci Girls,” and “Igboro Ti Daru,” and also produced her own movie, “Single Ladies”.

Osoba publicly disclosed her health struggle in late 2024 after discovering a lump in her breast during a self-examination.

Although an initial medical assessment dismissed the lump as related to hormonal changes, further tests confirmed it was cancerous after it continued to grow.

She underwent her first surgery in November 2024 and later appealed for financial support for a second operation estimated to cost about N12 million, a call that drew solidarity from industry colleagues who spearheaded public donation campaigns.

During her treatment, Osoba revealed that doctors told her she would not be able to conceive for five years due to the medication she had to take. She said she rejected the report and held onto her faith, praying and fasting over the issue.

In August 2025, she announced she had overcome cancer and was returning to the industry, describing the journey as a turning point that led to her “rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding”.

She said, “I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others,” and promised to use her platform to promote breast cancer awareness.

Osoba was known for her roles in several Yoruba films, including “Ile Owo,” “Omo Iya Kan,” and “Twinny Mi,” and had built a reputation as a resilient and dedicated actress who inspired many with her courage.

Colleagues remembered her as a kind-hearted, humble, and compassionate woman whose warmth touched everyone around her.

Tributes have poured in from fans and industry members who celebrated her contributions to Nollywood and her inspiring fight against cancer.