Emotions ran high in Lagos this past week as Nollywood stars, friends, and family gathered to bid a final farewell to beloved actress, producer, and filmmaker Allwell Ademola, whose sudden passing late last year left Nigeria’s film community in shock and grief.
Ademola, who died on 27 December 2025 after suffering a heart attack at her residence, was laid to rest on Friday, 9 January 2026, at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos. She was 49 years old.
A Service of Songs and candlelight procession held on Thursday evening at the Lagos State Television complex in Ikeja set the tone for the final rites. The gathering brought together colleagues and industry figures—including Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Fathia Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Kunle Afod and many others—who shared memories of Ademola’s warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit. Many mourners wore customised white T‑shirts bearing her image as a mark of respect.
At the graveside, the mood was somber and deeply emotional. Friends struggled to hold back tears as her coffin was lowered into the ground, a moment captured in tearful scenes by those present.
Actor Rotimi Salami, a close friend of the late actress, delivered a heartfelt tribute that brought many to tears. He spoke about the impact Ademola had on his career and life, urging those in attendance to honour her legacy with unity and forgiveness. “If there’s anyone Allwell has offended… please forgive her and keep praying for her,” he said, his voice breaking under emotion.
Another colleague, Abiola Adebayo, tenderly recalled Ademola’s friendliness and the treasured memories they shared, urging mourners to value the small moments captured in videos and photos now that she was gone.
In the days since her passing, tributes have poured in across social media and from entertainment figures who admired her versatility and lifelong dedication to the arts—not just as an actress, but also a filmmaker and creative force whose contributions helped shape Nollywood.
The funeral underscored not just the loss of a gifted performer but the passing of a cherished friend, mentor, and creative soul whose memory will endure in the many lives she touched across Nigeria’s rich film landscape.
By
