Nollywood practitioners on Friday gathered in Lagos to pay their last respects to late actress, producer and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola, who was laid to rest in an atmosphere filled with grief and emotion.
Footage from the burial ceremony captured tearful scenes as her remains were committed to the earth, with colleagues and loved ones visibly overwhelmed by the loss. Actress Liz DaSilva broke down at the graveside, while fellow actors including Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Saheed Balogun and Kunle Afod were present to witness the final rites.
The burial came a day after a candlelight procession held in Ademola’s honour on Thursday night. The procession followed a service of songs organised at LTV8 in Lagos and was led by prominent Nollywood figures such as Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo and Iyabo Ojo.
The service of songs drew a large turnout of actors, filmmakers and industry stakeholders, including Wumi Toriola, Afeez Owo, Faithia Williams, Mr Latin, Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Yemi Solade, Bakare Zainab, Foluke Daramola and Jigan Babaoja.
During the event, Rotimi Salami, described as one of Ademola’s closest associates, delivered an emotional tribute. He appealed to anyone who may have been hurt by the late actress to forgive her and continue to pray for her soul.
“If there is anyone Allwell offended, directly or indirectly, please forgive her and remember her in your prayers,” he said. He also urged colleagues to preserve her legacy, stressing that her contributions to the industry should not be forgotten.
The service also witnessed a moment of reconciliation when Ademola’s brother publicly apologised to actress Iyabo Ojo over comments he made shortly after his sister’s death. Addressing her, he clarified that his earlier remarks were not intended as a personal attack.
The apology followed a controversial video he released in December 2025, where he criticised some Nollywood colleagues for what he described as insincere tributes and lack of support for Ademola while she was alive. Iyabo Ojo later responded, maintaining that she had supported the late actress professionally, financially and emotionally during her lifetime.
Allwell Ademola, who featured in both Yoruba and English-language films, passed away on December 27, 2025, after suffering a heart attack at her home. She was 49 years old.
