Grief and Reconciliation: Late Allwell Ademola’s Brother Apologizes to Iyabo Ojo

The solemn atmosphere of the Service of Songs for the late filmmaker Allwell Ademola took an unexpected turn toward reconciliation on Thursday as the brother of the deceased publicly apologized to Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo. The event, held in Lagos on January 8, 2026, became a moment of healing for the family and the film community following weeks of tension. Standing before the congregation, Ademola’s brother sought to bury the hatchet, addressing Ojo directly to clarify that his previous stinging criticisms were not intended as a personal attack on her character.

The friction began in December 2025, shortly after the sudden passing of the beloved actress. In a moment of raw grief captured in a viral video, the brother had lashed out at several Nollywood stars, accusing them of “performative mourning.” He claimed that many who were posting emotional tributes on social media had failed to support his sister while she was alive and struggling. His grievances were specific, alleging that many colleagues ignored the promotion of her film Eniobanke and failed to reciprocate the loyalty she had shown them over the years.

In that controversial video, he pointedly mentioned that certain actors, including Iyabo Ojo, had utilized the Ademola family home as a movie location in the past but were nowhere to be found when his sister needed professional backing. He further expressed bitterness over his sister being sidelined in major productions like Jagun Jagun, suggesting that the industry only celebrates its own when it is too late to offer meaningful help. These comments sparked a firestorm online, leading to a heated debate about the sincerity of friendships within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Iyabo Ojo, known for her vocal nature, did not let the allegations sit quietly. She responded by detailing her history with the late Allwell, asserting that she had consistently supported her throughout her career. Ojo revealed that she had featured in several of Ademola’s productions without demanding a professional fee and had provided both financial and emotional assistance as the late actress navigated the challenges of producing and directing. The public back-and-forth threatened to overshadow the mourning period until the recent intervention at the service.

During the gathering in Lagos, the brother took the opportunity to set the record right. “Please ma, don’t be offended,” he pleaded while addressing Ojo in front of their colleagues. He explained that his earlier remarks were a product of the overwhelming pain of loss rather than a calculated attempt to “abuse” her. He insisted that he was not referring to her specifically in his broader critique of the industry’s behavior, effectively retracting the sting of his initial outburst.

The apology was seen by many attendees as a necessary step toward preserving the peace of the deceased. It allowed the focus of the evening to shift back to the life and legacy of Allwell Ademola, a versatile talent who was a mainstay in the Yoruba movie sector. The gesture of humility was met with nods of approval from other industry stakeholders, who have been calling for unity since the actress’s untimely death due to a heart attack.

This public reconciliation highlights the intense pressure and emotional volatility that often follow the death of a high-profile figure in Nollywood. For the Ademola family, the priority has now shifted toward giving their sister a dignified final send-off at the Atan Cemetery. The resolution of the dispute with Iyabo Ojo ensures that the funeral rites can proceed without the cloud of a public feud hanging over the family’s head.

As the industry prepares for the final burial, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationships that exist behind the scenes of the silver screen. The apology marks the end of a bitter chapter and underscores the message shared by many at the service: that life is fleeting and mutual respect is the only currency that matters in the end. With the air cleared, the community now turns its full attention to honoring a woman who dedicated her life to the art of storytelling.