Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Passes Away at 40 After Brave Cancer Battle

…Colleague Alesh Sanni announces her death with emotional tribute

…Actress had publicly battled breast cancer and returned to acting in 2025

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Yoruba Nollywood actress and producer Temitope “Tope” Osoba. She passed away at the age of 40 after a brave battle with breast cancer .

Osoba reportedly died on the evening of Tuesday, August 4, 2026 . Her death was announced on Wednesday by her colleague and close associate, actor Alesh Ola Sanni, who shared an emotional tribute on his Instagram page .

Expressing his grief, 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” .

A Life and Career in Review

Temitope Kofoworola Osoba was born on December 2, 1985, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She was raised primarily by her paternal grandmother in Lagos after losing her parents at a very young age .

She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ogun State .

Before finding fame as an actress, Osoba spent years working as a professional dancer and video vixen for notable Nigerian musicians, including Olu Maintain and Pasuma . Her acting career began in 2005 when she stumbled upon a movie rehearsal while returning from school. She was selected on the spot for a dancing role in Laide Bakare’s movie Ijoya .

She rose to prominence after starring in the Yoruba movie Oogun Mi, produced by actress Dayo Amusa . Over nearly two decades, she became a familiar face in the Yoruba film industry, featuring in numerous productions, including Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru, Ile Owo, Omo Iya Kan, Omo Tee, Twinny Mi, and Ifedolapo .

Beyond acting, Osoba ventured into film production, producing her own movie titled Single Ladies . She also gave Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo his first Yoruba movie role in Ifedolapo, her second self-produced film .

A Public Battle with Cancer

Osoba publicly disclosed her health struggle in 2024. She revealed that she had discovered a lump in her breast during a routine self-examination. Although a doctor initially dismissed it as changes associated with childbearing, the actress insisted on further tests, which confirmed the lump was cancerous .

She underwent her first breast cancer surgery in November 2024 and appealed for financial assistance for a second corrective surgery estimated to cost about N12 million . Fellow actress Foluke Daramola spearheaded public donation campaigns to help cover her medical bills .

In August 2025, Osoba announced her return to acting after sharing updates on her recovery. She described the comeback as a new chapter focused on healing, growth, and empowerment .

At the time, 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 pledged to use her platform to promote breast cancer awareness and encourage others facing similar health challenges .

Industry Tributes

Following news of her death, colleagues and fans have taken to social media to mourn her passing and celebrate her contributions to Nollywood.

Actor Alesh Sanni described Osoba as his “dearest sister” and recalled the memories they shared . Fellow actress Adeyemo Seilat wrote: “Sigh! I hate to hear about the death of young people. Life is vanity! Rest in peace Tope Osoba. May you find eternal rest” .

Actress Foluke Daramola, who had previously supported Osoba during her treatment, also joined the tributes .

A Legacy of Resilience

Osoba’s passing comes just a year after she emotionally reintroduced herself to fans following her recovery from breast cancer. Despite surviving the illness and promising to continue her advocacy for cancer awareness, the actress ultimately lost her battle .

She is remembered by colleagues as someone who brought a “quiet warmth edged with steel” to her roles, with vulnerability that never tipped into frailty . Her final film credit includes the 2026 movie Eri Ife .

Osoba never married and did not have children, but she lived as a testimony of resilience and hope . In her final moments, she continued to reach outward, sharing her story and inspiring others .

She would have turned 41 in December 2026