By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Yoruba Nollywood actress Bimpe Akintunde has expressed deep sorrow over the death of plus-size model and body positivity advocate, Monalisa Stephen.
The tragic news of Monalisa’s passing was announced on Wednesday, May 14, by Seun Oloketuyi, Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), via his Instagram page.
According to Oloketuyi, Monalisa died on Tuesday, May 13, in Lagos following complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding. The news was confirmed by her immediate younger sister.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, Bimpe Akintunde took to social media to mourn the late influencer. In an emotional post, the actress questioned why Monalisa did not reach out to her or others during her health struggles. She prayed for her soul to rest in peace and extended her condolences to Monalisa’s family.
“Monaaaaaa, you go at least call or message me when you were going through all of that naaaaaa, haaaaaahaaaaaaaa Eleyi ba mi lojiji. Sebi me n you dey talk naaaa? I pray your sweet soul find eternal rest Aburo mi daada. My condolences to @iamolasamuel and Family. A o ni ri iru e mo lola oluwa oba. Goodnight, Monalisa Stephen,” Bimpe wrote.
Monalisa Stephen, who gained popularity for promoting body positivity and advocating for plus-size individuals, had in 2022 revealed her long-standing battle with diabetes since childhood. Despite her health condition, she remained active online and often spoke out against body shaming and cyberbullying.
Her sudden death adds to the growing list of Nollywood losses in recent months. In March, veteran actress Nkechi Nweje passed away after a brief illness, and just a month earlier, the industry lost veteran actor and academic Columbus Irisoanga, whose death was announced by fellow actress Hilda Dokubo.
