{
  "id": 1526676,
  "title": "10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026-1526676",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T17:42:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "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 a long illness. Filmmaker Tobi Oladele, or Tee Mony, first announced her death, and her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, confirmed it later. She was buried on the same day, following Islamic customs. Lasisi was recognized for her comedic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films.\n\n2. Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly called Okemesi, died in February 2026. As a well-known actor in the Yoruba film industry, Oluwatope was celebrated for his energetic and comedic performances. He was particularly admired for his ability to speak in English, Yoruba, and his native Ekiti dialect within his roles and online content.\n\n3. Veteran actor Davis Offor, also known as Clarus, breathed his last on April 6, 2026, aged 85. Offor's portrayal of Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the famous Nigerian television comedy series The New Masquerade left an indelible mark as one of the most memorable figures in Nigerian television comedy.",
  "summary": "Remembering 10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026, including veterans and contemporary actors. Their legacies live on in Nigerian film. Read More: https://punchng.com/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "10 Nollywood stars who died in 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/10-nollywood-stars-who-died-in-2026",
        "published": "2026-08-17T17:38:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}