Nollywood stars gathered in their numbers to pay last respects to actress, producer and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola, who passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 49, after reportedly suffering a heart attack.

Ademola was laid to rest at the Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos in a sober ceremony that left many attendees emotional. Her colleagues in attendance include Liz DaSilva, Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Saidi Balogun and Kunle Afod.

However, the funeral activities started on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with a “candlelight vigil” at the LTV 8 Complex in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, which drew family, friends, colleagues and fans, served as a moment for reflection and remembrance of the actress’s remarkable career that spanned decades in both English and Yoruba movies.

Prominent faces from Nollywood were present, including Iyabo Ojo, Wumi Toriola, Odunlade Adekola, Saidi Balogun, Rotimi Salami, Abiola Adebayo, Fathia Balogun and Afeez Abiodun. Most attendees wore customised white T-shirts featuring Allwell’s portrait.

Rotimi Salami, believed to be one of Allwell’s closest friends, delivered an emotional tribute that left many in tears. Struggling with tears himself, the actor spoke about their deep bond, revealing how she helped him navigate Yoruba Nollywood. He also urged that her legacy should be kept even after her death.

He said, “If there’s anyone Allwell has offended, directly or indirectly, please, forgive her and keep praying for her. I think the only thing we can actually do is to find a way in unity to keep her legacy. Even if she’s gone, let all that she has done stay with us and be with us.”

‎Actress, Abiola Adebayo, also delivered an emotional tribute recalling Ademola’s warmth and friendliness. She said, ‎”I was always with Allwell and whenever we were together, she would always do videos, take pictures and post, but I am not good at things like that, but for the first time in my life, I appreciate those videos. I never thought those little things can have meaning.”

‎Ademola’s brother also seized the opportunity to apologise to actress, Iyabo Ojo, over comments he made following his sister’s death.

Addressing Ojo during the event, he said, “Please ma, don’t be offended. I did not mean to abuse you. I was not referring to you at all.”

His apology followed a video he posted in December 2025, in which he criticised some Nollywood colleagues over what he described as insincere tributes.

In that video, he said, “All the ‘Rest in Peace’ messages and public displays of love are fake and hypocritical. Where was this love when she was alive? When she produced Eniobanke, none of you promoted it. You all claimed friendship, yet you never supported her work or career, even though she supported many of you. During the Jagun Jagun production, no one called her or offered her a role.”

He also added, “Some of you the likes of Lateef Adedimeji, Owonikoko, Iyabo Ojo and others came to our house to shoot movies, yet you never found it worthy to stand by her. If you couldn’t support her while she was alive, don’t perform loyalty now that she is gone.”

Responding to the claims at the time, Iyabo Ojo insisted she supported the late actress while she was alive. (PUNCH)

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