The Nigerian film industry on Friday stood still as Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola was laid to rest at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos State, amid tears, prayers, and emotional tributes from colleagues, friends, and family.
Ademola, who passed away on December 27, 2025, died at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy shaped by years of dedication to Yoruba and English-language films.
The burial ceremony drew a large turnout of Nollywood stars, including Afeez Owo, Rotimi Salami, Saidi Balogun, Kunle Afod, Toyin Abraham, Biola Adebayo, and Liz Da-Silva, who gathered to pay their last respects. Emotional moments were captured in videos shared online as actors poured sand on her coffin after it was lowered into the grave.
Delivering a brief sermon at the graveside, the officiating pastor urged attendees to reflect on the brevity of life and the urgency of purpose.
“She has lived her life. She has run the race and has gone to meet her maker, but what we are doing here is for you and me… What God expects of us when we see things like this is to look up to God and say, ‘Father, help me to make the best of the time that is left.’”
A day earlier, a candlelight procession and service of songs was held in her honour, with several Nollywood heavyweights in attendance, including Odunlade Adekola, Saheed Balogun, Bolaji Amusan, Iyabo Ojo, Fausat Balogun, Eniola Ajao, and Fathia Balogun. Many mourners wore customised T-shirts bearing Ademola’s portrait as a final show of love.
One of the most touching moments came when Rotimi Salami, described by colleagues as one of Ademola’s closest friends, delivered a heartfelt tribute and appealed for forgiveness on her behalf.
“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.”
During the service, Ademola’s brother also publicly apologised to Iyabo Ojo over remarks he made shortly after his sister’s death.
“Please ma, don’t be offended. I did not mean to abuse you; I was not referring to you at all,” he said.
Allwell Ademola was known for her strong screen presence and memorable performances in films such as Ile Wa (2018). She is survived by her family and a community of colleagues who gathered in Lagos to give her a dignified final farewell.
