{
  "id": 1525982,
  "title": "10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T17:38:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "1. Ajara Lasisi, also known as Aunty Ajara, passed away on February 5, 2026, after battling a long illness. Her death was confirmed by her brother, Ridwan Lasisi. Lasisi was a renowned Nollywood actress, famous for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films. She was laid to rest the same day following Islamic rites.\n\n2. Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026. A celebrated actor in the Yoruba film industry, Okemesi was admired for his energetic and comic roles, often blending English, Yoruba, and his native Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.",
  "summary": "Remembering 10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026, including veterans and contemporary actors. Their legacies live on in Nigerian cinema. Read More: https://punchng.com/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026/",
  "key_points": [
    "Ajara Lasisi, known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026",
    "Lasisi was a renowned Nollywood actress, famous for comic roles",
    "She was laid to rest following Islamic rites on the same day"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026-1526676",
        "published": "2026-08-17T17:42:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}