The Nigerian film industry is mourning the loss of Yoruba Nollywood actress and producer Temitope Kofoworola Osoba, popularly known as Tope Osoba, who passed away at the age of 40. Her death was announced on August 5, 2026, by colleague Alesh Sanni, coming almost exactly one year after she publicly celebrated surviving breast cancer and returned to the screen.
Here are 10 key things to know about her life and career.
Birth and Early Life
Temitope Osoba was born on December 2, 1985, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Though born in Abeokuta, she was primarily raised in Lagos State.
Raised by Grandparents
She lost her parents at a very young age and was raised by her grandparents. She was also her mother’s only child.
Prominent Family Roots
Through her paternal lineage, she was related to the veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun (Segun) Osoba.
Educational Background
She completed her primary and secondary education in Lagos before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ogun State.
Music Video Roots
Before fully focusing on acting, she worked as a singer, dancer and video vixen. She appeared in music videos for major Nigerian artists including Pasuma, Olu Maintain and Adewale Ayuba.
Accidental Entry into Nollywood
Her acting career began by chance in 2005. While walking home from school, she stumbled upon a rehearsal for Laide Bakare’s movie Ijoya. The crew needed a dancer, she stepped in, and that opportunity handed her the first film role.
Breakout Movie Roles
She rose to mainstream fame after her role in the 2009 film Oogun Mi, produced by Dayo Amusa. She later featured in popular projects including Mercy Aigbe’s Gucci Girls (2012) and Igboro Ti Daru. She also produced her own movie titled Single Ladies.
Industry Recognition
Known for her versatility in the Yoruba-language movie industry, her talent earned her a nomination for Most Promising Actress of the Year (Yoruba) at the City People Movie Awards.
Marital Status
Throughout her life, she clarified that she had never been married, though she held deep respect for the institution of marriage.
Brief Return and Ultimate Fight
In August 2025, about a year before her passing, she was declared cancer-free after surgeries and radiation therapy. She triumphantly announced a rebranding of her career and returned briefly to movie sets while vowing to use her platform for breast cancer awareness.
In an emotional Instagram video on August 4, 2025, she wrote:
“Dear beloved fans, supporters, and loved ones, I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction. This journey has been a turning point, leading to my rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding. I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others.”
Her courage in openly sharing her health battle and determination to inspire others remain part of her lasting legacy in Nollywood.