Yoruba Nollywood practitioners gathered in Lagos to pay their final respects to late actress, filmmaker, and producer Allwell Ademola, following her burial in an emotional ceremony that drew colleagues, family members, and fans into a moment of grief and remembrance. Reports describe a sombre farewell as the industry said goodbye to one of its own, with many stars visibly moved at the graveside.
Ademola reportedly died on December 27, 2025, aged 49, with early reports linking her death to a heart attack. Her passing triggered widespread mourning across Yoruba Nollywood, with tributes pouring in from actors and producers who worked with her or followed her career closely.
Burial held in Lagos after the service of songs and a candlelight procession
According to widely reported accounts, Allwell Ademola was laid to rest on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Atan Cemetery, Yaba (Lagos). The burial came after a Service of Songs and a candlelight procession held a day earlier, as colleagues gathered to celebrate her life and pray for her family.
The Guardian noted that the candlelight procession was led by notable actors, including Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, and Iyabo Ojo, reflecting how deeply her death affected the Yoruba film community.
Stars who attended and paid tribute
At the burial, several Yoruba Nollywood stars were present to support the family and pay their last respects. Punch reported that colleagues, including Liz DaSilva, Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, and Kunle Afod, attended the final rites.
The Guardian similarly referenced emotional scenes at the graveside and confirmed that actors and colleagues struggled to hold back tears as the ceremony progressed.
TVC News also reported that friends and colleagues turned out in Lagos to honour her life and career, describing the burial as a moment filled with tributes and mourning from the industry.
“A painful goodbye”: emotional moments at the graveside
Videos and photos from the burial circulated online as colleagues stood together in grief. Reports described how the atmosphere shifted between quiet reflection and open emotion, particularly as the final rites were performed and the reality of her passing sank in for friends and co-workers.
For many Yoruba film lovers, the funeral also became a reminder of the human side of Nollywood—where friendships, mentorship, and years of on-set collaboration form deep bonds beyond the camera.
Who was Allwell Ademola?
Allwell Ademola was known within Yoruba Nollywood as an actress and filmmaker with years of work in the industry. Her death sparked tributes across the community, and her burial ceremonies drew a significant turnout—an indication of the respect she earned among colleagues.
Before her burial, Vanguard reported the family’s funeral arrangements: a service of songs on January 8 and burial on January 9 at Atan Cemetery, Lagos.
Leave a Reply