Stars Weep as Nollywood Honors Allwell Ademola in Lagos

The atmosphere was heavy with grief on Thursday as the Nigerian film community converged for a solemn prayer session and Service of Songs in honor of the late actress and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola. The event, held in Lagos, served as a poignant gathering for industry titans and emerging talents alike, all united in mourning a woman whose influence stretched across acting, producing, and directing. For many in attendance, the day was not just a formal ceremony but a deeply personal goodbye to a colleague often described as a pillar of the Yoruba film sector.

Prominent figures were seen draped in customized white T-shirts, each bearing the smiling visage of the late actress. Among those spotted paying their final respects were Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, and Saheed Balogun, alongside veteran actors like Bolaji Amusan and Fausat Balogun. The sight of these industry leaders together, many visibly shaken and weeping openly, underscored the profound impact Ademola had on her peers during her career.

The service was marked by a “wrap prayer,” a symbolic gesture within the filmmaking community to signal the end of a life’s production. Actors such as Afeez Abiodun, Kunle Afod, and Rotimi Salami led various segments of the session, offering tributes that painted a picture of a dedicated professional and a loyal friend. The air was filled with hymns and prayers, providing a brief spiritual reprieve for a community still reeling from the suddenness of her departure.

Rotimi Salami, a close confidant and frequent collaborator of the deceased, delivered a particularly moving address to the congregation. With a voice laden with emotion, he appealed to the industry to forgive any perceived shortcomings the late actress might have had during her lifetime. Salami emphasized the need for lasting unity among Nollywood practitioners, urging them to protect the creative legacy Ademola left behind as a testament to her hard work and passion.

The tributes throughout the afternoon touched on her versatile talent and her ability to nurture younger actors. Colleagues recalled her as a disciplinarian on set who balanced her high standards with a motherly warmth that made her a favorite among crew members. This duality of character was highlighted as the reason so many gathered to ensure her send-off was as grand as the stories she told on screen.

Following the religious service, the itinerary moved toward a candlelight procession, a tradition that has become a staple for fallen stars in the Nigerian entertainment world. The evening was also slated to feature an “Artistes’ Night,” a celebration of her life through performances and shared memories, intended to run late into the night. This transition from mourning to celebration reflected the industry’s desire to remember her vibrant spirit rather than just the tragedy of her passing.

Ademola’s death occurred on December 27, following a sudden heart attack at her residence, a shock that sent ripples through the entertainment industry during the festive season. Her passing at the end of the year added a layer of somber reflection for her colleagues, many of whom had seen or spoken to her just days before the incident. The sudden nature of the loss has sparked renewed conversations within the industry regarding the health and well-being of practitioners who often work grueling hours.

As the Service of Songs concluded, the focus shifted toward the final interment. The family has confirmed that the late filmmaker will be laid to rest on Friday at the Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos. As the sun set on the day of tributes, the prevailing sentiment was one of a massive void left in the heart of Nollywood, with many stars vowing to keep her memory alive through the very craft she loved so dearly.