Popular Nollywood Actress Aunty Ajara Dies After Prolonged Illness

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The death of Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, has thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning.

Her death was announced on Thursday by Nollywood director Tobi Oladele Teemony, widely known as Tee Mony, in a statement shared on Instagram.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved actress, Aunty Ajara.

She passed on overnight after a long and courageous battle with illness,” the statement read.
Teemony disclosed that the late actress received immense love, prayers and financial support from well-wishers across the world during her period of illness.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by her with prayers, contributions, encouragement and compassion,” he added.

He also appealed to members of the public to stop sending donations to the bank account earlier shared for her medical treatment, noting that further financial contributions were no longer required.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones and everyone grieving this painful loss,” the statement added.
The announcement was accompanied by a video message from the actress’s elder brother, Ridwan Lasisi, who confirmed her passing.

“Good morning to you all. My name is Ridwan Lasisi. I am Ajara’s brother. The doctor confirmed to us this morning that Ajara has passed on,” he said.

He thanked family members, industry colleagues and supporters for their prayers and assistance, while reiterating the appeal for the public to discontinue sending funds.

“We also use this opportunity to appeal to those sending money not to send it anymore. The account shared for her treatment is no longer in use. Thank you so much,” he stated.

The sad development came barely a week after Teemony and other Nollywood figures, including Ronke Oshodi Oke, appealed for urgent financial assistance for the actress, explaining that her condition had worsened despite ongoing treatment and support from colleagues and well-wishers.

At the time, Teemony had disclosed that significant funds had already been spent on her treatment, but more support was urgently needed to keep her alive.

Earlier reports indicated that the small-screen actress was pregnant and battling a liver-related illness, with colleagues revealing that she had been placed on oxygen as her condition deteriorated.

Several Nollywood stars, including Wumi Toriola, Mide Martins, Afeez Owo and Ronke Oshodi Oke, had rallied support and appealed to the public for financial assistance amid growing concern over her health.