
The Nigerian entertainment industry has once again been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the only child of veteran Yoruba actress, Peju Ogunmola. What started as a wave of shock and confusion on social media after the heartbreaking news filtered out has now been clarified by the grieving family, who are struggling to set the record straight amid swirling rumors. Contrary to earlier speculations that the young man died after slipping and falling in a bathroom, the family has publicly debunked those reports, revealing instead that he had been briefly unwell before he sadly passed away at a hospital in Ibadan.
The clarification came after multiple online platforms and gossip blogs reported that the deceased lost his life in a tragic bathroom fall, a version of events that spread like wildfire across social media. Videos, condolence posts, and hearsay began painting a distorted picture of the circumstances surrounding his death, with many attributing the tragedy to a domestic accident. But in a strongly worded statement, the Ogunmola family dismissed such reports as false and insensitive, noting that while they are in deep grief, it is important that the truth be told to preserve the dignity of the departed. According to them, the young man was ill for a short while, and despite medical attention, he could not pull through. His death occurred in a hospital in Ibadan, where he had been taken for treatment.
The news has left the Nollywood community devastated, not only because of the shocking loss of life at such a young age but also because the deceased was the only child of the respected actress, making the grief even more unbearable for the family. Peju Ogunmola, daughter of the late Yoruba theatre legend Kola Ogunmola and wife to popular actor Sunday Omobolanle, fondly known as Papiluwe, has always kept her private life out of the public eye. But the tragic incident has pulled her family into the spotlight, with sympathizers flooding social media to send words of comfort, while others unknowingly amplified the false version of his passing.
The spread of misinformation has been particularly painful for the family, who are not only grappling with the unimaginable loss but also with the need to constantly correct narratives that distort the truth. In their statement, they urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time, stressing that the deceased deserves to be remembered for who he was and not through sensationalized stories. They appealed to fans, colleagues, and well-wishers to keep them in their prayers and to honor the memory of the departed with dignity.
Tributes have since been pouring in from Nollywood stars and theatre practitioners across Nigeria, many of whom described the late young man as respectful, humble, and supportive of his mother’s career. Social media timelines have been filled with emotional messages, as actors and fans struggle to come to terms with the tragic news. The Yoruba movie industry, in particular, has been shaken, as the Ogunmola family is regarded as one of its most respected dynasties, with generations of actors and dramatists whose contributions have shaped the industry’s history.
Colleagues of Peju Ogunmola, including veterans and younger actors, have expressed their heartbreak, with many noting that losing an only child is one of the deepest kinds of pain any parent can endure. The Yoruba movie industry has witnessed a string of painful losses in recent times, and this latest death has further deepened the cloud of grief hanging over the entertainment scene. Industry observers have called for greater sensitivity in how news of celebrity tragedies is reported, warning that the rush to publish unverified claims often worsens the trauma of grieving families.
As news of the true cause of death becomes clearer, attention has also turned to the resilience of Peju Ogunmola, who has endured multiple painful losses over the years, including the death of her legendary father. Friends close to the family have described her as inconsolable, yet surrounded by loved ones and colleagues who are doing their best to comfort her. The actress, who has dedicated decades of her life to the film and theatre industry, is now being comforted by fans and colleagues alike, many of whom say she deserves the same love and support she has always given to others.
In Ibadan, where the young man spent his last moments, neighbors and acquaintances have also expressed shock, describing him as a quiet and well-behaved individual who never sought attention. His sudden passing, they say, is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to cherish every moment with loved ones. The hospital where he died has not made any statement, but family sources insist that he received care until the very end, dismissing any speculation that his death was due to neglect or accident.
Meanwhile, the online chatter surrounding the tragedy has sparked conversations about how Nigerians consume and spread information in times of grief. Some commentators have condemned the culture of sensationalism and misinformation, especially when it comes to reporting celebrity deaths. They argue that rushing to announce or dramatize tragedies without verification not only disrespects the dead but also inflicts additional pain on families who are already shattered. The Ogunmola family’s clarification has therefore been seen as an important step in setting the record straight and ensuring that the late young man’s memory is not tainted by falsehood.
While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, it is expected that the Yoruba movie industry will come together to honor the deceased and show solidarity with Peju Ogunmola in her time of grief. Vigils, tributes, and special prayers are likely to be organized, as has become the tradition whenever the industry loses one of its own or a close relative. For now, the family has asked for space and prayers, as they prepare to lay their beloved to rest.
The tragic passing of Peju Ogunmola’s only child is a painful reminder of how fleeting life can be, and how no amount of fame, legacy, or success can shield anyone from the sting of death. Yet in the face of sorrow, the family’s insistence on truth has highlighted the importance of dignity in grief, ensuring that the deceased is remembered for his life and not through rumors. As the family continues to mourn, the Nigerian entertainment world stands still, united in shock, sadness, and sympathy, waiting for the day when their beloved colleague finds strength again after this devastating loss.