Nollywood actress Temitope Kofoworola Osoba, popularly known as Tope Osoba, has been laid to rest in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, weeks after her death generated controversy over the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Osoba, who died on 4 August, at the age of 40, was buried on Thursday, September 10, following a funeral service attended by family members, friends and colleagues from the Nigerian film industry.
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Her remains were removed from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) mortuary in Sagamu at about 9 a.m. They were taken to Akesan Club, opposite Iperu Morning Market, where a brief burial service was held between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
In line with the family’s wishes, mourners wore white as they gathered to honour the late actress.
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The service was marked by prayers, tributes and emotional moments as family members, friends and colleagues reflected on her life and career.
Stars bid farewell
Among those who attended the funeral were Nollywood figures including Kunle Afod, Foluke Daramola-Salako, Alesh Sanni, Jigan Babaoja and Toyosi Adesanya.
Daramola-Salako, who affectionately referred to Osoba as “momma”, described her as a highly talented, jovial and simple person who was free-spirited and loved seeing people around her happy.
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Following the service, Osoba’s remains were taken to the Iperu Remo Cemetery, where she was laid to rest amid tears, prayers and final tributes from her loved ones.
The burial brought an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the funeral, after the family postponed the actress’s initial burial scheduled for 13 August.
The postponement came less than 24 hours before the original burial date, following a candlelight procession and artistes’ night held in her honour at LTV 8, Ikeja, on 11 August.
At the time, the family said the decision was necessary to allow for further arrangements and the conclusion of other matters, while appealing to the public for understanding, prayers and support.
Controversy over death
Osoba’s death attracted significant public attention, with conflicting accounts emerging over the circumstances surrounding her final hours.
The actress had previously spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer and underwent surgery after being diagnosed around 2024. She later announced her recovery and return to acting.
Following her death, different accounts circulated concerning her final moments, including allegations involving her relationship with her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, a shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
The CCC subsequently announced that it had launched a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death, after allegations involving Mr Onadeko drew the church into the controversy.
The church described the situation as embarrassing and said it was concerned about the allegations. It also rejected claims of idolatry, black magic and the use of charms, saying such practices were contrary to its Christian teachings.
Actor Yomi Fabiyi, through his Break The Silence Foundation, had also called for an autopsy and police investigation before Osoba’s burial, citing concerns over the circumstances surrounding her death.
An autopsy was eventually conducted, with Kunle Afod confirming its completion. However, detailed official findings on the cause of death had not been publicly released as of her burial.
The circumstances surrounding Osoba’s final hours and death, therefore, remained a subject of public discussion as family, friends and colleagues gathered to give her a final farewell.
Remembering Tope Osoba
Osoba was known for her work in Yoruba-language Nollywood productions and had spent nearly two decades in the Nigerian film industry.
Her colleagues and fans have continued to pay tribute to her, remembering her for her talent, personality and contribution to the Yoruba film industry.
With her interment in Iperu Remo, the actress has now been laid to rest, bringing to a close the funeral proceedings that had been postponed amid the controversy surrounding her death.
A graduate of Business Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Osoba began her acting career in 2005 with a role in Ijoya, produced by Laide Bakare.
The actress gained prominence in 2009 after starring in Dayo Amusa’s Ogun Mi and went on to feature in films including Ifedolapo, Accident and Gucci Girls.
She also worked as a dancer, appearing in Pasuma’s High Level music video and videos by Olu Maintain, Adewale Ayuba and other artistes.
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