Temitope Osoba: One Death Too Many

The death of Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning.

Her death is coming after another entertainer, Iyun Janet Ajilore, known as St Janet, was said to have died last Saturday, August 1.  Recall that the movie industry lost Alex Ekubo in May.

Osoba’s death was announced by actor Alesh Sanni on Wednesday, prompting tributes from colleagues and fans on social media.

She died almost exactly one year after emotionally reintroducing herself to fans following her recovery from breast cancer, describing her survival as a journey of “rebranding, reshaping and rebuilding.”

Temitope Osoba was born and raised in Lagos State. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. Osoba started her Nollywood career around 2005, saying in interviews that she entered the industry unexpectedly.

Her breakthrough came after starring in Oogun Mi, a Yoruba movie produced by actress Dayo Amusa.
She built her career in Yoruba Nollywood

Osoba became a familiar face in Yoruba-language films, featuring in numerous productions over nearly two decades.

Her acting credits include Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru, Omo Tee and Twinny Mi. She also ventured into film production

‎Beyond acting, Osoba produced her own movie titled Single Ladies.
She survived breast cancer. Osoba’s death comes about two years after she opened up about her battle with cancer and sought public support for her treatment.

During her illness, Nollywood stars, including Iyabo Ojo, appealed for support. She returned to acting after her recovery

‎On August 4, 2025, Osoba shared an emotional Instagram video announcing her return to the movie industry after surviving cancer.

Describing the experience as life-changing, she wrote, “Dear beloved fans, supporters, and loved ones, I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction. This journey has been a turning point, leading to my rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding. I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others.”

She said her new chapter would focus on healing, growth and cancer awareness while expressing gratitude to her supporters and management team.

She used her experience to advocate for cancer awareness. Following her recovery, Osoba spoke openly about her cancer journey and highlighted the financial challenges many actors face while battling serious illnesses. She also pledged to use her platform to support cancer awareness and encourage others facing similar health challenges.