Temitope Osoba, the Nollywood actress known for Yoruba films including Ile Owo, Omo Iya Kan and Gucci Girls, has died at 40. Here are 10 facts about her education, acting career, movies, cancer treatment and final months.
1. Temitope Osoba died at 40
Temitope Osoba died at 40, with fellow actor Alesh Sanni announcing her death on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Sanni paid tribute to the actress on Instagram, describing her as his “dearest sister” and recalling the memories they shared.
“Couldn’t sleep since last night; it’s well. Rest in peace, my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together, till we meet again,” he wrote.
2. She was born on December 2, 1985
Osoba was born on December 2, 1985.
She celebrated her 40th birthday on December 2, 2025, eight months before her death.
In her birthday message, she wrote: “Today, I turn 40, a milestone that once felt so far out of reach.”
3. She studied Business Education
Osoba studied Business Education at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State.
During a 2013 interview with Vanguard, she said she graduated with a BSc in Business Education.
4. She started acting in 2005
Osoba began acting in 2005 after working as a dancer.
She told Vanguard that she got an acting opportunity during rehearsals for Ijoya, one of her early film projects.
That opportunity marked the start of a career that later focused on Yoruba-language films.
5. Her film career included Ile Owo and Gucci Girls
Osoba appeared in Ile Owo, Omo Iya Kan, Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru and Ijoya.
She also worked behind the camera as a producer. P.M. News reported in 2015 that she produced Single Ladies.
6. She discovered her breast cancer in 2024
Osoba discovered a lump in her breast in late 2024.
She sought medical attention after noticing the lump, but doctors later confirmed cancer when further tests showed that it had increased in size.
The diagnosis led to a period away from acting while she concentrated on treatment.
7. She underwent surgery and radiation treatment
Osoba underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove the tumour.
Doctors later carried out follow-up tests and found no spread of the cancer. She then received radiation treatment, according to The Guardian.
Her treatment also prompted appeals for financial support, with fellow actors helping to draw attention to her medical bills.
8. She returned to acting in August 2025
After her treatment, Osoba announced her return to acting in August 2025.
She said she was ready to resume acting and pursue endorsements and other entertainment opportunities.
The announcement came several months before she marked her 40th birthday.
9. She celebrated her 40th birthday after treatment
Osoba marked her 40th birthday on December 2, 2025, after completing her cancer treatment.
In her birthday message, she reflected on reaching an age she had once considered distant and expressed gratitude for the milestone.
The celebration became her last recorded birthday before her death.
10. Her cause of death was not immediately announced
The reports announcing Osoba’s death on August 5, 2026, did not give a cause of death.
Although she had undergone treatment for breast cancer in 2024 and 2025, the initial reports did not establish cancer as the cause of her death.
Alesh Sanni announced her death, while other actors also shared tributes following the news.
Temitope Osoba’s Nollywood career
Osoba began acting in 2005 and built a career in Yoruba-language cinema, appearing in films such as Ile Owo, Omo Iya Kan, Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru and Ijoya.
She also produced Single Ladies and continued acting until her health challenges forced her to take time away from the industry.
After returning to work in August 2025, she celebrated her 40th birthday in December.
She died on August 5, 2026, aged 40.
