Muyiwa Ademola Reflects on Absence from Cousin’s Funeral

The Nigerian film industry is still reeling from the sudden departure of one of its most versatile talents, Allwell Ademola, but for her cousin and fellow Nollywood heavyweight Muyiwa Ademola, the grief has been compounded by distance. The veteran actor recently took to social media to clarify his absence from the final rites of the late filmmaker, revealing that his physical absence at the graveside was due to his current stay outside the shores of Nigeria. The “Ori” star shared a poignant image of her resting place, marking a somber digital farewell to a relative who was also a professional contemporary.

Muyiwa expressed a deep sense of regret over his inability to witness the final journey of a woman he described as more than just a colleague. In a reflective tribute, he noted that the most painful aspect of the tragedy was being geographically separated from the family during their moment of greatest need. He used the occasion to remind his followers of the fleeting nature of existence, suggesting that every day lived is essentially a countdown toward an inevitable end. His message served as a sobering memento mori, urging his fans to cherish the time they have with loved ones.

Allwell Ademola, a celebrated actress, director, and scriptwriter, passed away at the age of 49 following a sudden heart attack at her residence in Lagos on December 27, 2025. Her death sent shockwaves through the Yoruba movie circle, where she was known for her creative wit and her ability to juggle multiple roles behind and in front of the camera. As a member of the illustrious Ademola family, her passing has left a significant void in both the cultural and creative heritage of the Southwest region.

The final journey for the late actress commenced on January 8, 2026, with a deeply emotional Service of Songs held at the Lagos State Television grounds in Ikeja. The event was followed by a candlelight procession, where stars from across the entertainment spectrum gathered to pay their respects. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as industry veterans and younger actors alike recounted stories of her mentorship and vibrant personality. It was a testament to the bridge-building role she played within the guild, often serving as a connector between different generations of performers.

On the following day, January 9, her remains were interred at the historic Atan Cemetery in Yaba. The ceremony was attended by a scaled-back but significant gathering of family members and close associates who braved the emotional weight of the morning to see her lowered into the earth. While the physical ceremony was occurring in Lagos, Muyiwa Ademola was reportedly monitoring the proceedings from abroad, a situation he described as a heartbreaking reminder that “tomorrow is never promised.”

In his Instagram tribute, Muyiwa transitioned into traditional Yoruba eulogies, a cultural practice reserved for honoring the lineage of the departed. He sent messages to his ancestors through the late Allwell, invoking the names of the Ademola patriarchs who had gone before. This traditional “Omo Oba” salute underscored the royal and historical weight of their lineage, connecting the late actress to a long line of distinguished figures in Nigerian history.

The absence of Muyiwa, who is often a central figure in such industry gatherings, had sparked initial questions among fans, but his public explanation has since drawn a wave of sympathetic messages. Many of his colleagues in the diaspora echoed his sentiments, noting the peculiar pain of losing a loved one while being thousands of miles away. The actor’s post has become a space for collective mourning, with fans offering prayers for the repose of Allwell’s soul and for the strength of the Ademola family.

As the industry begins to adjust to life without Allwell Ademola, her legacy remains etched in the numerous films she produced and directed. Colleagues have described her as a “powerhouse” who refused to be limited by gender or the conventional constraints of the industry. While she may have been laid to rest in Yaba, the discussions surrounding her contributions to the “New Nollywood” era are expected to continue for years to come.

Muyiwa concluded his tribute with a prayer for longevity for those still living, a plea that resonated deeply with a community that has seen several high-profile losses in recent months. For him, the image of the burial site is a closed chapter on a physical relationship, but the beginning of a period of deep ancestral remembrance. The “Boy Director” may have missed the physical interment, but his emotional and cultural connection to his cousin remains unbroken by the Atlantic.