Popular ‘Lisabi’ actress, Omotola Odunsi is dead

The Yoruba movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of fast-rising actress, Omotola Odunsi.

Her death was confirmed by fellow actor, Akinola Akano, popularly known as Segbowe, in a tribute posted on Instagram on Thursday.

Segbowe shared photos of the actress along with screenshots of their last chat, where she told him she was feeling better after being unwell. Sadly, she passed shortly after.

“Motola! Strange but I tried checking on you at the wee hours of that morning. You said you were FINE & BACK! This is a rude shock, Omotola! Journey well, sister. God be with your family,” he wrote.

The cause of her death has not been made public as at the time of filing this report.

Several of her colleagues have since taken to social media to mourn the actress, who was fast gaining ground in the Yoruba film industry.

Ashabi Simple, a budding actress and baby mama of singer, Portable, penned an emotional tribute recalling their recent encounter on a movie set and plans they made to work together again.

“I’m shocked. You’re one of the best actors I’m rooting for. I saw you earlier this year when I was shooting Deputy and we promised to feature each other in our next project. But now… you laboured and didn’t wait to reap,” she wrote.

Veteran actor, Odunlade Adekola, under whom Omotola trained, also reacted to her death, posting: “Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola.”

Omotola Odunsi began her acting career while in her second year at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She joined the industry fully after being selected during an audition conducted by Adekola’s film school. She graduated in 2023.

She starred in several Yoruba films including Lisabi: The Uprising, Officer Adaeze, Amonata, Ayanmo Ire, and Ifedayo.