Nollywood actress Tope Osoba has died at the age of 40 after battling breast cancer.
Osoba died on Wednesday, with fellow actress Foluke Daramola confirming the news in a post on her Instagram page. Her death has prompted tributes from colleagues and fans across Nigeria’s film industry, who have highlighted both her work as an actress and the determination she showed during her illness.
Osoba had spoken publicly about her cancer diagnosis in 2024, when she appealed for financial support after undergoing her first breast cancer operation.
At the time, Daramola said Osoba required a second procedure to remove the remaining cancerous particles from her breast. The cost of that operation was estimated at about N12 million.
Daramola also released footage showing Osoba undergoing medical examinations. The actress had sought assistance from Bolaji Amusan, the President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Osoba previously described how she discovered a lump in her breast while carrying out a routine self-examination. Although a doctor initially dismissed the lump as a change linked to childbearing, Osoba continued to seek answers and requested further medical tests.
Those tests later confirmed that the lump was cancerous.
Her public appeal for help brought attention to the seriousness of her condition and the treatment she needed. The second operation was identified as an important part of her ongoing medical care after the first surgery.
Daramola’s announcement of Osoba’s death has since led to an outpouring of grief among members of Nollywood and the actress’s fans. Tributes have focused on Osoba’s contribution to the Nigerian film industry, as well as her resilience in facing the disease.
Osoba’s illness had become publicly known only after she shared details of her treatment and sought financial assistance. Her account of discovering the lump through self-examination also formed part of the circumstances surrounding her diagnosis.
The actress’s death marks the end of her battle with breast cancer, which had involved surgery, further medical examinations and an appeal for support for the estimated N12 million second procedure. Colleagues and fans have continued to remember her for her work and the courage she displayed throughout that period.
