The vibrant world of Nigerian cinema is currently draped in a cloak of sadness. The industry is grappling with the sudden and painful departure of one of its dedicated talents, Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as “Aunty Ajara.” Her passing, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, February 5, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the Yoruba film sector and the broader Nollywood community.
After a long, valiant, and highly publicized battle with a critical health condition, the actress breathed her last, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and a community of colleagues who fought alongside her until the very end.
The Official Announcement: A Heartbreaking Revelation
The news was first brought to the public eye by prominent filmmaker and director Tobi Oladele Teemony (widely known as Tee Mony). In a somber Instagram post shared on Thursday morning, Teemony broke the silence that had surrounded the actress’s health over the last few days.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved actress, Aunty Ajara. She passed on overnight after a long and courageous battle with illness,” the statement read.
Teemony’s post was more than just a death announcement; it was a tribute to a woman who had shown immense strength. He noted that during her period of hospitalization, Ajara was not alone. She was surrounded by the “immense love, prayers, and financial support” of thousands of people from across the globe.
A Family in Grief: The Final Appeal from Ridwan Lasisi
Following the director’s post, the actress’s elder brother, Ridwan Lasisi, released a poignant video message to clarify the situation and address the ongoing fundraising efforts. Speaking on behalf of the Lasisi family, Ridwan confirmed that medical professionals at the hospital had officially certified her death on Thursday morning.
While expressing profound gratitude for the support received, Ridwan made an urgent plea to the public. He requested that all financial contributions to the medical accounts previously circulated on social media should cease immediately.
Key Takeaways from the Family’s Statement:
- Cessation of Funds: The family explicitly requested that no more money be sent to the treatment accounts.
- Purpose of Closure: They clarified that since the funds were intended for her medical recovery—a goal that is tragically no longer attainable—maintaining the fund would be inappropriate.
- Expressions of Gratitude: The family thanked the President of the Actors Guild and the numerous Nollywood stars who used their platforms to seek help for their sister.
The Medical Battle: A Timeline of Hope and Despair
The death of Ajara Lasisi did not come without a fight. In fact, the last few weeks of her life were marked by a frantic, high-stakes effort by the Nollywood community to save her.
Just a week prior to her passing, a massive social media campaign was launched. Figures such as Ronke Oshodi Oke and Tee Mony had posted urgent appeals, stating that Ajara’s condition had reached a critical stage. Despite previous rounds of treatment and the initial success of fundraising efforts, her health had begun to deteriorate at an alarming rate.
Underlying Health Complications
While the family kept specific details private out of respect for her dignity, reports circulating within the industry indicated that the actress was battling a liver-related ailment. The situation was reportedly complicated by a concurrent pregnancy, which made aggressive medical interventions significantly more delicate and risky.
In her final days, colleagues shared that the actress had been placed on constant oxygen support. The “A-list” of the Yoruba film industry, including stars like Wumi Toriola, Mide Martins, and Afeez Owo, were at the forefront of the campaign, working tirelessly to ensure she had the best care possible.
The Unity of the Yoruba Film Sector
If there is a silver lining in this tragic event, it is the incredible display of unity within the Yoruba sector of Nollywood. In an industry often criticized for its internal rivalries, the “Save Ajara” campaign proved that when one of their own is in danger, the community stands together.
The fundraising was not just about money; it was about visibility. Actors used their massive Instagram followings to ensure that the cry for help reached the Nigerian diaspora. This collective action provided Ajara with a fighting chance, even if the ultimate outcome was not what everyone had prayed for.
A Legacy of Talent: Who Was “Aunty Ajara”?
Ajara Lasisi was more than just a headline about a medical crisis. To her fans, she was a versatile performer who brought authenticity to every role she played. Often cast in “small-screen” productions and home videos, she earned the nickname “Aunty Ajara” because of her relatable, maternal, and often spirited on-screen persona.
She belonged to a generation of actors who helped bridge the gap between traditional stage-style acting and modern cinema. Her dedication to her craft was evident in the way she maintained her career over the years, consistently appearing in projects that resonated with the grassroots audience in Nigeria.
The Economic Reality of Health in Nollywood
The passing of Ajara Lasisi once again brings to light a recurring and painful theme in the Nigerian entertainment industry: the lack of robust health insurance and social safety nets for veteran and mid-tier actors.
Ajara is, unfortunately, the latest in a series of Nollywood figures who have had to rely on public crowdfunding for life-saving medical treatment. This trend has sparked renewed debates among fans and critics about the financial stability of actors who, despite being household names, often struggle to meet the exorbitant costs of private healthcare in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Final Honors and Moving Forward
As the industry prepares to bid a final farewell to Ajara Lasisi, the focus has shifted toward supporting her bereaved family. Burial arrangements are expected to be announced in accordance with her family’s wishes and religious rites.
The loss of “Aunty Ajara” leaves a void that will be hard to fill. She will be remembered not only for her talent but as a symbol of the courage it takes to fight a silent battle while in the public eye. Her death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of the community that surrounds us in our darkest hours.
Rest in Peace, Ajara Lasisi.
In other news, Celebrity Designer Veekee James Announces Pregnancy
