Yoruba actress Temitope Kofoworola Osoba has died at the age of 40 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Her colleague, Alesh Sanni, announced her death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, throwing the Nigerian film industry into mourning.
Osoba was reportedly preparing to return fully to acting after undergoing treatment for the disease and had previously spoken publicly about her experience with breast cancer.
Here are 10 things to know about the late actress:
- Early life and family background: Temitope Osoba was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on December 2, 1985. She was her father’s first child and her mother’s only child.
- Raised by her grandmother: Osoba lost her parents at a very young age and was primarily raised by her paternal grandmother in Lagos.
- Educational background: She completed her primary and secondary education in Lagos before obtaining a degree in Business Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State.
- Entertainment background: Before becoming a mainstream actress, Osoba worked in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer and video vixen.
- Accidental entry into acting: She began her acting career in 2005 after accidentally finding herself at a movie rehearsal location in Lagos while returning from school. She was selected on the spot to play a dancing role in Laide Bakare’s movie, Ijoya.
- Rise to prominence: Osoba went on to become a recognised figure in the Yoruba film industry, featuring in notable productions including Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru, Ile Owo and Single Ladies.
- Breast cancer diagnosis: She discovered a lump in her breast during a self-examination in late 2024. Medical examinations later confirmed that she had breast cancer, leading to intensive treatment and multiple surgeries.
- Support from colleagues: During her treatment, Osoba received support from colleagues and other well-wishers. When she needed about N12 million for a corrective surgery, prominent Nollywood figures, including Foluke Daramola, spearheaded public fundraising efforts to assist with her medical expenses.
- Declared cancer-free: In August 2025, Osoba shared an emotional video announcing that she had been declared cancer-free. She also expressed her readiness to return to acting and said she intended to use her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer.
- Death at 40: Osoba died at the age of 40 after her prolonged battle with breast cancer, coming months after she had publicly celebrated overcoming the disease and looked forward to resuming her acting career.
