Nollywood actors, filmmakers and fans gathered in Lagos to pay their final respects to late actress, producer and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola, who passed away at the age of 49 after a reported heart attack.
Ademola was laid to rest at the Atan Cemetery, Yaba, in a solemn ceremony that left many attendees visibly emotional. The burial followed a candlelight vigil held earlier at the LTV 8 Complex, Ikeja, where family, friends and colleagues reflected on her life and career.
Among the Nollywood stars present were Iyabo Ojo, Wumi Toriola, Odunlade Adekola, Saidi Balogun, Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Fathia Balogun and Afeez Abiodun. Most attendees wore customised white T-shirts featuring Ademola’s portrait in her honour.
Actor Rotimi Salami, described as one of Ademola’s closest friends, delivered a heartfelt tribute, recalling how the late actress supported him in the Yoruba movie industry.
Struggling to hold back tears, he said:
“If there’s anyone Allwell has offended, directly or indirectly, please forgive her and keep praying for her. I think the only thing we can actually do is to find a way in unity to keep her legacy. Even if she’s gone, let all that she has done stay with us.”
Actress Biola Adebayo also spoke about Ademola’s warm personality and love for capturing memories.
She said:
“I was always with Allwell and whenever we were together, she would always do videos, take pictures and post. I am not good at things like that, but for the first time in my life, I appreciate those videos. I never thought those little things could have meaning.”
During the vigil, Ademola’s brother publicly apologised to actress Iyabo Ojo over comments he made following his sister’s death.
Addressing Ojo, he said:
“Please ma, don’t be offended. I did not mean to abuse you. I was not referring to you at all.”
The apology followed a viral video in which he criticised some Nollywood colleagues for what he described as “insincere” tributes.
In the video, he stated:
“All the ‘Rest in Peace’ messages and public displays of love are fake and hypocritical. Where was this love when she was alive? When she produced Eniobanke, none of you promoted it. You all claimed friendship, yet you never supported her work.”
He also added:
“Some of you came to our house to shoot movies, yet you never found it worthy to stand by her. If you couldn’t support her while she was alive, don’t perform loyalty now that she is gone.”
Reacting to the claims earlier, Iyabo Ojo maintained that she supported Ademola while she was alive, insisting that her relationship with the late actress was genuine.
Allwell Ademola was widely known for her contributions to both Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films, earning respect for her dedication, talent and passion for storytelling.
