 |
| Image: Google |
Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo has criticised colleagues and social media users who were quick to announce and circulate news of the reported death of Yoruba actress Allwell Ademola, describing the behaviour as insensitive and disturbing.
The controversy began on Saturday night when reports emerged online claiming that Allwell Ademola had passed away. Several actors within the Yoruba film industry quickly took to their social media pages to mourn her. Among those who shared condolence posts were Damola Olatunji, Mr Latin, Faithia Williams and Bidemi Kosoko, whose tributes further fueled the spread of the news.
However, reacting via her Instagram page, Biodun Okeowo expressed concern over how the information was handled, revealing that the late actress’s mother had not yet been informed of her daughter’s alleged passing at the time the posts began circulating online.
According to Okeowo, the rush to share tragic news without confirmation or consideration for the family involved reflects a troubling trend on social media. She lamented that people appear more eager to post obituary-style messages than celebratory or positive updates about others.
“Those of you who are so quick to post bad news and put up pictures, hope you know she has a mother who is not aware yet,” she wrote.
She further questioned the growing culture of announcing deaths online without restraint or empathy, describing it as alarming and painful to witness.
“The way people are quick to post RIP rather than congratulations is very alarming,” Okeowo added.
Expressing fear and emotional distress over the situation, the actress also offered a prayer, hoping such a fate would not befall anyone prematurely. “Hmmm, may our best picture not be used as RIP. May we all live to see the end of the year,” she wrote.
She went on to plead for patience and sensitivity, urging people to wait for proper confirmation before sharing tragic news. “At least let’s wait for hours now! Haba!! God!! This will not be true!! God, please,” she added.
The incident has reignited conversations about responsibility in the age of social media, particularly among public figures and entertainers whose posts can spread rapidly and deeply affect families involved.
The reported death of Allwell Ademola has also added to a growing list of losses within the Nollywood industry this year, a trend that has left many practitioners and fans grieving.
Earlier in August, veteran actor Chief Kanran reportedly passed away. The news of his death was announced by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi via Instagram, drawing condolences from colleagues and fans across the country.
That same month, actress Jaiye Kuti (Jayeola Monje) mourned the death of fellow actor and filmmaker Seun Confirm. She revealed that he died after battling benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), describing his passing as deeply painful and praying for comfort for his loved ones.
Also in early August, actor Odunayo Olufemi, popularly known as Oloto, was announced dead, further deepening the sense of loss within the Yoruba film community.
On the same day Oloto’s death became public, news also broke of the passing of upcoming actress Omotola Odunsi, throwing the industry into yet another round of mourning.
Earlier in June, Nollywood lost renowned producer and stage director Kayode Peters, who reportedly died in Canada. His death was confirmed by colleague Steve Onu, popularly known as Yaw.
That same month, the Yoruba movie industry was shaken by the death of actress Berry White, who reportedly slumped and died at her residence. The news was shared by her colleague Bakare Zainab on social media.
As tributes and reactions continue, Biodun Okeowo’s message has sparked reflection on the need for empathy, verification and restraint when handling sensitive information, especially matters involving death and grieving families.
#AllWell
#BiodunOkeowo
#NollywoodTimes
No comments:
Post a Comment