Nollywood actress, Toyosi Adesanya, has alleged that some practitioners in the Nigerian film industry refused to contribute to the burial expenses of late actress Temitope Osoba because she was allegedly not regarded as an active member of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria.
Adesanya made the allegation on Tuesday during a candlelight procession and artistes’ night organised in honour of Osoba in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The actress, who serves as the National Director of Social and Welfare of TAMPAN, represented the association’s President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, at the event.
She said attempts to mobilise financial assistance for Osoba’s burial were allegedly met with objections from some colleagues who questioned her membership of the association.
According to her, Osoba was a member of the Eti-Osa chapter of TAMPAN, contrary to claims made by some practitioners.
Adesanya said, “When Tope died, I was talking to the president about soliciting some funds for her burial, but some of our colleagues declined, saying that she wasn’t a member of TAMPAN and that she didn’t practise.”
She added, “Someone who is dead and I can confirm was a member in Eti-Osa chapter, yet you are still beefing her. You people are going about saying that they shouldn’t contribute a dime for her because she’s not a member. That is bad.”
Adesanya also claimed that a similar situation occurred following the death of actor Murphy Afolabi, calling for greater unity and support among entertainment practitioners.
Osoba’s death has continued to generate reactions within the industry, particularly over the level of support she received from colleagues during her illness and after her death.
The late actress had publicly spoken about her battle with breast cancer and appealed for financial assistance for her treatment. In August 2025, she announced that she had returned to acting after undergoing surgery and other treatment, saying she had been declared cancer-free.
Adesanya urged members of the entertainment industry to support and celebrate one another while they are still alive, rather than waiting until after their deaths.
She said, “Let’s celebrate ourselves while we are alive. Don’t judge anybody, let’s focus on our lives. Temitope came, saw but lost the battle to death.”
The TAMPAN official further criticised what she described as hypocrisy and “eye service” among some practitioners, noting that the turnout at Osoba’s candlelight procession appeared inconsistent with the support allegedly offered to her while she was alive.
She called on actors and other industry stakeholders to put aside rivalry and divisions and build a culture of genuine care, solidarity and assistance among colleagues.
Adesanya stressed that the death of a colleague should not be the first occasion for practitioners to demonstrate concern, urging them to extend support to one another during difficult times.
