Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of four personalities whose careers spanned music, film, television, relationship counselling and personal development.
The series of losses began with the death of veteran juju musician Iyun Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet, who passed away on August 1 after a brief illness.
Saint Janet was renowned for her distinctive style, which combined traditional juju and highlife sounds with street slang and humour.
Her energetic stage performances and bold lyrics earned her a loyal following.
The musician was also known for referring to herself as the leader, or “G O of the Saint Bottles Cathedral and Sinners’ Chapel”.
Following news of her death, fans, colleagues and socialites took to various platforms to pay tribute to the entertainer, remembering her as one of the colourful personalities who left their mark on the Nigerian music scene.
The Yoruba film industry was subsequently hit by the death of actress Temitope Osoba, who died at the age of 40.
Her colleagues announced her death on Wednesday, August 5. Before her death, Osoba had spoken publicly about her battle with cancer, describing the experience as transformative and saying it motivated her to raise greater awareness about the disease.
According to a burial announcement posted on her Instagram page, the actress will be buried on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State.
Her funeral service is expected to take place at Saint James Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, while her remains will be interred at Iperu Remo Cemetery.
Her family has asked mourners to dress in white for the ceremony.
While the industry was still grieving, news emerged of the death of filmmaker Dimbo Atiya, who died at the age of 53.
Atiya was recognised as an influential figure in Nigeria’s television industry and was associated with productions including Sons of the Caliphate, Halita and the award-winning The Rishantes.
His death prompted tributes from actors, producers and fellow filmmakers, who described him as a visionary storyteller and mentor whose influence went beyond the television productions he created.
The string of deaths was further compounded by the passing of Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh, popularly known as Coach Lara, the wife of relationship expert and media personality Teddy Don-Momoh.
Coach Lara reportedly died after a brief illness, just weeks after she and Don-Momoh welcomed their first child.
She was widely known as a therapist, author, relationship coach and business strategist, with her work focused on helping people improve their relationships and personal development.
Her family has appealed for privacy while mourning her death and said information about her funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
The deaths of Saint Janet, Temitope Osoba, Dimbo Atiya and Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh have cast a pall over Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community.
Though they made their contributions in different fields, their careers and personal efforts touched different aspects of Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment landscape, leaving colleagues, admirers and loved ones to mourn their passing.
