The entertainment community gathered in Lagos on Tuesday to honour late Nollywood actress Tope Osoba, as LTV 8 in Ikeja hosted an emotional night of tributes dedicated to her memory.
The event brought together friends, colleagues and associates of the actress, many of whom became emotional while recounting moments they shared with her and reflecting on the person she was beyond her career.
Several actors, including Toyosi Akinsanya, Foluke Daramola and Bimbo Thomas, took turns paying tribute. Their accounts highlighted Osoba’s generosity, warmth and determination, while some struggled to hold back tears as they spoke.
Osoba, who had previously overcome breast cancer, was also remembered for the personal challenges she faced later in life. Her colleagues spoke about her resilience and her reported battle with depression before her death.
Daramola described the late actress as a deeply selfless person who often prioritised other people’s needs. She admitted that she was still finding it difficult to accept Osoba’s passing.
“I am yet to come to terms with the fact that she died because it feels unreal. She was very close to me, and I know how selfless she was. I am fighting back tears. I can’t even explain what is happening. I pray for the family she left behind,” she said.
Akinsanya also addressed criticism surrounding the support being offered towards Osoba’s burial. She condemned suggestions that the actress should not receive assistance because she was not a member of a particular industry association.
She argued that Osoba’s value to the entertainment industry should not be determined by her affiliation with any group.
“People just lack empathy and kindness. Tope is dead, but some people in different groups were saying she shouldn’t be supported because she was not a member of their association.
“That is rather sad and unfortunate. We are here today because she is one of us, and we are here to honour her,” she said.
Recounting one of their conversations, Akinsanya said Osoba had remained hopeful about her future and was eager to return to acting rather than be treated with pity.
“In one of her voice notes she told me aunty mi, I am happy you now have a child. I want to also have mine in life. I want to get back to work. I don’t want to be pitied. I just want to work.”
Tope Osoba siblings pic.twitter.com/JEFA6iubdz
— Snow.Multimedia (@SnowMultimedia) August 11, 2026
Candle night of Tope Osoba 💔 pic.twitter.com/UbKY9lC3vb
— ⚡️YS (@whyess77) August 11, 2026
