By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of popular actress Omotola Odunsi, widely known as Motola the Actor.
As of the time of this report, the cause of her death has not been officially disclosed. Her passing was confirmed by fellow actor Akinola ‘Segbowe’ Akano through an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
He shared their last conversation and photos together, expressing shock at the news.
“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,” he wrote.
Veteran actor Odunlade Adekola, under whose mentorship Odunsi began her career, also reacted to the sad news.
“Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola,” he simply wrote in response to her passing.
Before making her mark in the Nigerian movie industry, Omotola Odunsi worked as a credit officer in a state-owned bank. She resigned from her banking job in 2019 to follow her passion for acting full-time.
Since then, she featured prominently in numerous Yoruba-language films, earning a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for her performances.
Some of the notable titles in her filmography include Ajanaku, Darkness, Ogo Oluwa, Dagogo, Ariran, Doctor Adunni, Folagbade, President Kuti, Amonata, Officer Adaeze, Ifedayo, Ayanmo Ire, and Lisabi: The Uprising.
Her dedication to the craft and the versatility she displayed in her roles earned her respect within the industry and love from her fans.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and admirers who described her as a talented actress with a warm spirit and a promising future. The industry, her colleagues, and her audience are left grieving a loss that feels both personal and profound.
More details surrounding her passing and funeral arrangements are expected to be made available by her family in the coming days.
