kinola Akano shared their final conversation, noting she had said she felt better hours before her untimely death
Popular Nollywood actress Omotola Odunsi, affectionately known as Motola the Actor, has tragically passed away.
The news was first confirmed on Thursday via a deeply emotional Instagram post by her friend and colleague Akinola “Segbowe” Akano, who shared screenshots of their last conversation. Just hours before her death, she had reassuringly told him she was “feeling fine and back.” In his tribute, he wrote:
“Motola! Strange, but I tried checking on you at the wee hours of that morning. You said you were FINE & BACK! This is a rude shock, Omotola! Journey well, sister. God be with your family.”
Veteran actor Odunlade Adekola, under whose mentorship she trained at Odunlade Adekola Films Production, also confirmed her passing with a brief but heartfelt Instagram story:
“Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola.”
Actress Ashabi Simple, known for her connection to singer Portable, expressed disbelief over Omotola’s death. She recalled a recent meeting on set and their plans to collaborate on upcoming projects. She wrote:
“I’m shocked… You laboured and didn’t wait to reap,” and added: “We can’t question you, death is deep.”
A promising career cut short
Early days: Omotola began acting in stage productions during her second year at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she studied microbiology and honed her theatrical skills.
Transition to professional Nollywood: In 2018, she auditioned successfully for Odunlade Adekola Films Production, and by 2019 had left her banking career to pursue acting full-time—with her family’s support.
Film credits: Between theatre and screen, she starred in many popular Yoruba-language films, including Lisabi: The Uprising, Officer Adaeze, Amonata, Ayanmo Ire, Ifedayo, Dagogo, Doctor Adunni, President Kuti, Ariran, Ogo Oluwa, and Folagbade.
Her sudden departure has deeply affected colleagues and fans across Nigeria, who admired her warmth, energy, and potential. Despite the many promising paths ahead, she passed too soon—and notably, the cause of her death remains unannounced by medical authorities or family as of now.