Nollywood mourns Allwell Ademola after sudden death at 43

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of beloved actress, producer, director, scriptwriter, and musician Allwell Ademola on December 27, 2025. She was 43 years old.

Reports indicate that Ademola suffered a suspected heart attack at her residence in Lagos. A neighbour rushed her to Ancilla Hospital in Agege, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Colleagues and fans have flooded social media with tributes, expressing shock and grief over the loss of the vibrant Yoruba cinema staple.

Ademola began her acting career as a child in 1986 and rose to prominence in the late 2000s and 2010s. She gained widespread recognition for her role as ‘Mama Kate’ in the 2018 film ‘Ile W’,, and appeared in notable productions including ‘You or I’ (2013), ‘Third Eye’ (2022), and several others. A multifaceted talent, she also produced films, directed projects, and pursued music, forming her band Allwell and Company in 2002 and releasing an album in 2006.

One of her most recent works featured in the 2025 adventure film ‘Koma: Beyond Awakening’, directed by Kunle Awonusi, which explores themes of generational curses and survival.

Ademola was the granddaughter of Nigeria’s first indigenous Chief Justice, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, adding to her esteemed legacy in both entertainment and Nigerian history.

Tributes poured in from across the industry. Actress Faithia Williams wrote on Instagram, “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.” Funke Akindele posted ‘Rest in peace, Allwell. This is so sad. May the lord comfort her loved ones. Amen. It is well. Really sad.”

Mide Martins described the day as a “Black Saturday,” lamenting the loss of Ademola’s “playful, joyful, cheerful, lively” spirit. Actor Alesh Sanni, while mourning, questioned why her peers often overlooked promoting her projects during her lifetime.

Her final Instagram post, shared just hours before her passing, featured a reflective prayer for longevity into the new year, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy.

Ademola’s joyful presence and contributions to Nollywood leave an irreplaceable void. May her soul rest in peace.

Anthony Udugba is a seasoned entertainment business journalist at BusinessDay Media, boasting over four years of experience in the creative industry. With a proven track record of delivering insightful analysis and in-depth coverage, he leverages industry data, expert opinions, and stakeholder insights to craft compelling stories that shed light on the dynamic creative ecosystem.

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