Popular Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died, less than a year after making an emotional return to the film industry following her recovery from breast cancer.
News of her passing became public on Wednesday after actor Alesh Sanni announced the development in a heartfelt post on his Instagram page. Sanni expressed deep sorrow over the loss, revealing that he had been unable to sleep since hearing the news.
“Couldn’t sleep since last night, it’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing times and good memories together; till we meet again. I really don’t know what to say,” he wrote.
Veteran actress Foluke Daramola also reacted emotionally to the tragedy, posting a brief tribute that read, “She is gone, my baby is gone.”
Osoba’s death has come as a shock to many in the Nigerian entertainment industry, especially because she had recently returned to acting after surviving a highly publicised battle with breast cancer. Her recovery and comeback had inspired widespread admiration from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across the country.
In August 2025, the actress announced her return to the screen through an emotional video shared on Instagram. In the message, she thanked everyone who supported her with prayers, encouragement and goodwill during her illness.
She described her cancer experience as a life-changing journey that led her to reassess her priorities and rebuild both her career and personal outlook.
“Dear beloved fans, supporters and loved ones, I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction,” she said in the video. “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.”
Osoba had spoken openly about how she discovered the illness. She revealed that she noticed a lump in her breast during a self-examination in late 2024. An initial medical assessment reportedly suggested that the lump was related to hormonal changes, but further tests later confirmed that it was cancer after it continued to grow.
She subsequently underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove the tumour. According to her, doctors later recommended a second operation to eliminate remaining cancer cells as part of her treatment.
Her decision to share details of her health struggle resonated deeply with many Nigerians. Fans and supporters praised her courage, resilience and willingness to use her experience to encourage others facing similar medical challenges.
Following news of her death, tributes poured in across social media from actors, filmmakers, friends and admirers who remembered her as a talented performer and a woman of remarkable strength. Many noted that her return to Nollywood had become a symbol of hope and perseverance after a difficult battle with illness.
Colleagues in the industry also recalled her warmth, optimism and dedication to her craft, describing her passing as a painful loss to Nollywood.
Temitope Osoba is survived by family members, friends, colleagues and numerous admirers who continue to mourn the actress whose courage in the face of adversity touched many lives and whose comeback story inspired hope for countless people battling serious health conditions.
