Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba died on August 5, 2026 at the age of 40, but conflicting accounts about her final days have continued to raise questions about the circumstances of her death.
Her burial, which had been scheduled for August 13, was postponed indefinitely on August 12 by the Osoba and Awonuga families. The families said the postponement was to allow for further arrangements and the resolution of pending issues. A candlelight procession and artistes’ night had earlier been held for her in Lagos.
Osoba’s fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, disputed reports that she died of poisoning or breast cancer complications. He said he received a midnight call that she had died at a police station in Ikorodu. Onadeko also denied diverting money raised for her cancer treatment, but alleged that the actress was a drug addict.
The Osoba family gave a different account. According to them, Osoba reconnected with her paternal aunt, Mrs Kehinde-Osoba Eritosin, in May 2025 and confided in her about personal and relationship challenges.
The family said that in the days before her death, Osoba repeatedly contacted her aunt for help, including asking her to intervene in her relationship with Onadeko.
On August 4, a friend and hairdresser informed the family that Osoba had not slept, was behaving strangely and making disturbing statements about death. She was later taken to the *Igbogbo Police Station in Ikorodu* after allegedly causing a disturbance in traffic.
The family said the police released her to her friend and two maternal sisters after the aunt, who was away, requested that she be taken to her church. Instead, they alleged, she was taken to another church for prayers before her relatives decided to take her to Sagamu.
According to the family, her condition worsened during the journey. She was taken to a private hospital and later referred to the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, but the family claimed she died in the vehicle before receiving medical attention.
Actress Basira Badia has also alleged that Osoba was badly treated before her death. She said she has evidence to support the claim and will make it public after the burial. The allegation has not been independently verified.
There have also been concerns in Nollywood over support for Osoba. Toyosi Adesanya, National Director of Social and Welfare at TAMPAN, alleged that some colleagues refused to contribute to the burial because Osoba was not a member of the association.
The Celestial Church of Christ has commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the death. The church’s Head of Media and Publicity, Kayode Ajala, said the probe followed allegations involving Onadeko, a shepherd in the church. The church also denied claims that its doctrine permits black magic, cultism or the use of charms.
With the burial now postponed indefinitely and different accounts still emerging, the events leading to Osoba’s death between Ikorodu and Sagamu remain unclear.
