On July 17 and 18, 2022, the Nigerian film industry was struck by profound grief as two beloved actresses, Ada Ameh and Oluwasolamipe Onayiga, passed away within 24 hours. Ameh, known for her iconic role as Emu in The Johnsons, died around 11 PM on Sunday, July 17, in Warri, Delta State, while Onayiga, celebrated for her role as Ireti in Fuji House of Commotion, passed away the following morning at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The consecutive losses, reported by Vanguard News and allAfrica.com, left Nollywood reeling, with fans and colleagues mourning the departure of two vibrant talents from distinct acting traditions.
Ada Ameh’s Tragic Departure
Ada Ameh, aged 48, reportedly collapsed while visiting an oil company executive’s family in Warri and was rushed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), described her death as “an unfortunate incident,” while Emma Onyemeziem, Delta State AGN Chairman, called it a “rude shock.” Ameh’s passing followed a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of her only daughter, Aladi Godgift, in October 2020, and six siblings. In June 2022, she publicly shared her mental health struggles in an Instagram video, stating, “I have an issue right now and it’s taking my life, but I no go die, we will get over it.” She also faced a lawsuit over an undelivered job, adding to her challenges. Her final Instagram post on July 17, expressing joy during a trip, read, “Happy new week fans. This trip for my friend’s elder sister is just an enjoyment!!!” Tragically, she did not live to see the next day.
Oluwasolamipe Onayiga’s Legacy
Oluwasolamipe Onayiga, known as Auntie Sola, died on July 18, 2022, at LASUTH after a two-week admission in the intensive care unit for an undisclosed ailment. Film critic Dr. Shaibu Husseini announced her passing on Facebook, writing, “Auntie Sola, who is best known for the role of Ireti a.k.a Catering Practical in the defunct television sitcom, ‘Fuji House of Commotion,’ reportedly passed on this morning. Journey well, Ma!” Onayiga, a Fellow of Theatre Arts, began her career as an amateur actress, later studying at the University of Ife (now OAU). Her first professional role was in Fred Agbeyegbe’s The King Must Dance Naked. She gained fame as the domineering Ireti in Fuji House of Commotion and appeared in BBC’s Story, Story: Voices From the Market Place. Her versatility and stage prowess, despite health challenges, were lauded by peers.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The deaths sent shockwaves through Nollywood, with X users expressing grief, such as “Ada Ameh and Sola Onayiga gave us unforgettable TV characters. Quite a dark day for Nollywood” (@uchechika_e). Empress Njamah, a close colleague, was too distraught to comment, while fans flooded Ameh’s Instagram, praying the news was false. Onayiga’s husband, Pastor Tosin Onayiga, confirmed her passing at 3:45 AM, as noted by Seun Oloketuyi. The AGN and fans mourned the loss of two actresses who “put smiles on our faces,” with X posts reflecting, “Their sense of humor endeared them to Nigerians. Who will fill their shoes?” The tragedies underscored Nollywood’s vulnerability, with 18 actors lost in 2022 alone, per P.M. News.
A Lasting Cinematic Legacy
Despite their different paths—Ameh’s comedic brilliance in The Johnsons and Onayiga’s theatrical depth in Fuji House of Commotion—both left indelible marks. Ameh’s roles in Domitilla (1996) and Onayiga’s stage work, including Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels, showcased their versatility. Their deaths, amid Ameh’s mental health struggles and Onayiga’s battle with illness, highlighted the personal challenges behind their public personas. Nollywood continues to honor their contributions, with hopes their legacies inspire future generations, as echoed in tributes like, “Rest on, legends, your work lives forever.”
