Yoruba Nollywood actress and producer, Temitope Osoba has died at the age of 40, nearly two years after she first opened up publicly about her battle with breast cancer.

Her death was announced on Wednesday by her colleague, actor Alesh Ola Sanni, who shared an emotional tribute on Instagram revealing that she had passed away the previous evening.

Sanni described Osoba as a dear sister and said he had been unable to sleep since learning of her death.

His post read in part that he wished her eternal rest and cherished the memories they shared together. Other members of the Yoruba film community, including Foluke Daramola-Salako, Oladipupo Okanlawon and actress Adeyemo Seilat, also paid tribute, with many expressing shock at the loss of someone so young.

Osoba first revealed her cancer diagnosis in late 2024, after discovering a lump in her breast during a self-examination. She was 38 at the time. She underwent surgery that November to remove the tumour, followed by a second operation and radiation therapy after doctors found that cancer cells remained.

During treatment, she received support from colleagues in the industry, including Foluke Daramola, who helped rally fundraising efforts on her behalf. She had also spoken about how the medication affected her ability to conceive for several years, a prognosis she once described as devastating.

By August 2025, Osoba had announced what appeared to be a triumphant recovery, rebranding herself and returning to acting. She used her renewed platform to advocate for breast cancer awareness, encouraging women to carry out regular self-examinations, and said she was ready to take on new endorsements, roles and collaborations.

Her comeback was widely celebrated across the Yoruba film industry.

Osoba built her career over nearly two decades, becoming known for her performances in films such as Gucci Girls, Ifedolapo, Ile Owo and Omo Iya Kan, in addition to her work behind the scenes as a producer. As of the time of reporting, the official cause of her death had not been disclosed, but her passing, coming only months after what many saw as a hopeful new chapter, has left the Nigerian film community in deep mourning.

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