The Yoruba Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning once again following the passing of veteran actor and pastor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado.
According to reports, the veteran reportedly died on Monday, June 29, 2026, after a brief illness.
Taking to his Instagram page to announce his demise, Kunle Afod expressed appreciation for his immense contribution to the growth of Yoruba cinema. He said his talent and the joy he brought will never be forgotten.
“We regret to announce the passing of one of the legends of the Yoruba Nollywood industry, Baba Elegbeje Ado.
Your immense contribution to the growth of Yoruba cinema, your talent, and the joy you brought to countless lives will never be forgotten.
Thank you for the beautiful memories and the legacy you left behind. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Our heartfelt condolences go to your family, friends, colleagues, and fans during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Baba Elegbeje Ado. Your legacy lives on forever”.
Funke Etti mourning him, wrote, “Jesus with shocking emojis
Mustapha Sholagbade wrote, “May God accept his return and forgive all his shortcomings. Amen
Toyin Adewale wrote, “Kai! May your soul rest in perfect peace, Baba Elegbeje Ado”.
Elegebeje Ado, was widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in the Yoruba film industry. Throughout his career, he won audiences’ hearts with his memorable performances and played a significant role in the growth and promotion of indigenous filmmaking.
His death is coming days after the death of veteran, Kola Oyewo, who passed away at 80. His junior colleague, Kunle Afod, announced his death, noting how Nollywood has lost a true legend. He said that Oyewo’s remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Earlier this month, Yoruba actor, Adeshina Okiki, was involved in a fatal car accident, which claimed his life. Sharing a video of the aftermath of the accident, his colleague, Akin Olaiya, expressed sadness over his death and bade him farewell.
In accordance with Muslim rites, the actor had been laid to rest in his hometown of Okeho, Oyo State.
On Tuesday, May 12th, the internet was thrown into mourning over the sad news of the death of Alex Ekubo, who had passed away on Monday, May 11th, after a battle with Cancer and was 40 years old.
In April, actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi passed away in his sleep. The sad news was confirmed by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, saying that the actor died in Abuja.
Back in February, Yoruba Nollywood industry lost one of their beloved, Aunty Ajara, after a long and courageous battle with illness.
Her death came while Yoruba Nollywood was still dealing with the loss of Allwell Ademola, who passed away after suffering a heart attack at her residence. The likes of Damola Olatunji, Mr Latin, Faithia Williams, and Bidemi Kosoko were the first to mourn her.
In March, gospel singer, Taiwo Adegbodu had passed away. According to reports on Facebook, the gospel singer, who is a twin, died in the middle of the night.
To add to it, in January, gospel singer and evangelist Bunmi Akinaanu, better known as Omije Ojumi, passed away. According to reports, the singer took ill around 2025, and all efforts to get her back on her feet were futile.
