Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died after a prolonged battle with cancer, her passing announced on Wednesday by actor and close associate Alesh Ola Sanni.
Osoba reportedly died nearly two years after undergoing surgery for breast cancer, following a prolonged treatment journey that saw her publicly appeal for financial support for further medical care.
Sanni announced the actress’s death in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, mourning Osoba as a cherished friend and recalling the memorable moments they shared.
“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.
Osoba’s health challenges became public in 2024 after she underwent surgery as part of her treatment for breast cancer. In November that year, the actress appealed for financial assistance to enable her undergo a second surgery.
Her appeal drew attention to the financial and medical challenges associated with prolonged cancer treatment, particularly for patients requiring repeated procedures and continued follow-up care.
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Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. According to the World Health Organization, WHO, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2022, with about 2.3 million women diagnosed and approximately 670,000 deaths recorded globally that year.
The WHO also identifies early detection and timely access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment as critical to improving breast cancer outcomes.
In Nigeria, breast cancer remains a significant public health concern, with late presentation, limited access to specialized treatment and the cost of care among challenges affecting outcomes. The disease can be treated successfully in many cases when detected early and managed appropriately.
Osoba’s death has since prompted an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues, fans and other admirers mourning the actress and remembering her contributions to Nollywood.
Her passing adds to the growing list of Nigerian entertainers whose lives and careers have been cut short by illness, prompting renewed conversations about cancer awareness, early detection and access to affordable treatment.
Her death leaves colleagues, friends, fans and loved ones mourning the loss of an actress whose battle with cancer had been publicly documented in the final years of her life.
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