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Veteran Nollywood actress Iya Ile Okan has passed away, as confirmed by actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod through a heartfelt announcement on social media.
Sharing the sad news with fans and colleagues, Afod expressed his deep sorrow over her passing, writing, “We finally lost her. May her perfect soul continue to rest in peace. Iya Ile Okan. It’s a final wrap.” His message quickly drew emotional reactions from members of the entertainment industry and movie lovers who had followed the actress’s career and were aware of her recent health challenges.
Iya Ile Okan’s death comes barely two months after Afod visited her at her residence in Ogun State, where she opened up about her struggles with deteriorating health and medical bills following a fall. During that visit, Afod shared a video online showing the ailing actress appealing for help and prayers. In the caption, he wrote, “Iya Ile Okan really needs God’s intervention,” shedding light on the difficult situation she was facing at the time.
Known for his kindness and dedication to supporting elderly actors in the Yoruba film industry, Kunle Afod has often taken it upon himself to visit veteran entertainers who have faded from the limelight due to age or illness. His outreach efforts have helped several forgotten stars receive attention and support from the public. Sadly, despite those efforts, Iya Ile Okan’s health reportedly continued to decline until her passing.
The news of her death has since sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, colleagues, and Nollywood practitioners who took to various social media platforms to honor her memory. Many described her as a talented and disciplined performer who contributed immensely to the growth of Yoruba cinema during her active years in the industry.
Several of her colleagues referred to her as a motherly figure who brought warmth, humor, and depth to every role she played. Her mastery of Yoruba storytelling, coupled with her ability to embody both comic and emotional roles, made her one of the most respected female figures in traditional Yoruba film circles.
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in, with many expressing heartbreak over the loss of yet another Nollywood veteran. Fans have also praised Kunle Afod for his compassion and tireless commitment to preserving the dignity of aging entertainers. Others called for stronger welfare support for veteran actors, emphasizing that many who laid the foundation for the thriving film industry now live in neglect and struggle to afford basic healthcare.
As of the time of this report, details about Iya Ile Okan’s burial arrangements have not been made public. However, tributes continue to flow from various quarters of the entertainment world, celebrating her life and legacy as a pioneer who left a lasting mark on the industry.
Her passing adds to the growing list of veteran Yoruba actors who have died in recent years, reigniting conversations about the need for Nollywood associations and government agencies to prioritize the welfare of aging film stars. For many, Iya Ile Okan will be remembered not only for her skill and versatility on screen but also for the warmth and resilience she brought to her craft.
May her soul rest in peace.
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