Nollywood actress and film producer Allwell Ademola was laid to rest on Friday at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos State.
The actress, widely known for her role as “Mama Kate” in the 2018 film Ile Wa, passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 49.
Colleagues from the film industry, including Afeez Abiodun, Rotimi Salami, Kunle Afod, and Abiola Adebayo, attended the burial to pay their respects. In videos shared online, mourners were seen visibly emotional as they poured sand on Ademola’s coffin.
During the ceremony, the officiating pastor urged attendees to reflect on the brevity of life. “This burial is a reminder that everyone will one day face the same end,” he said.
“Consider how you are living your life now.Are you harbouring malice or wrongdoing? The will of God is that we mend our ways before our Maker. She has finished her race, but this moment is for us—to reflect on how we will end our journey.”
The day before the burial, a candlelight procession and service of songs were held in her honour.
Prominent actors, including Odunlade Adekola, Saheed Balogun, Bolaji Amusan, Iyabo Ojo, Fausat Balogun, Eniola Ajao, and Fathia Balogun, attended the event. Many wore customised white T-shirts featuring Ademola’s portrait.
In an emotional tribute, Rotimi Salami, one of Ademola’s close friends, asked for forgiveness on her behalf.
“If there’s anyone Allwell has offended, directly or indirectly, please forgive her. The only thing we can do now is keep her legacy alive. Even though she is gone, let her work remain with us,” he said. Salami also announced that he would offer one day of free work to anyone seeking help on a film project.
Meanwhile, Ademola’s brother issued an apology to actress Iyabo Ojo for previous critical remarks following his sister’s passing.
In a viral video, he had questioned the sincerity of public tributes, saying, “All the ‘Rest in Peace’ messages are fake. Where was this love when she was alive? If you couldn’t support her while she was alive, don’t perform loyalty now that she is gone.”
Ojo responded to the statement, affirming her support during Ademola’s lifetime. “I featured in her movies countless times for free and also supported her financially and emotionally. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace,” she said.
The burial of Allwell Ademola drew attention not only for the outpouring of grief from the Nollywood community but also as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of supporting colleagues while they are alive.
