Tears and sad memories took centre stage at the Lagos Television, LTV 8, Ikeja, on Tuesday as colleagues, friends and associates gathered at late Tope Osoba’s candlelight to honour her
The night of tributes provided an opportunity for those who knew the actress to reflect on her life, career and the relationships she built within the entertainment industry.
Several actors who mounted the stage struggled to contain their emotions while recalling personal experiences with Osoba.
Among those who paid tribute were Toyosi Akinsanya, Foluke Daramola, Bimbo Thomas and other colleagues, who remembered the late actress for her kindness, generosity and determination.
Osoba, who had previously survived breast cancer, was also remembered for the personal challenges she endured. Her colleagues spoke about her resilience and the difficult periods she experienced before her de.ath, which was reportedly linked to a battle with depression.
Foluke Daramola described Osoba as someone who consistently placed the needs of others ahead of her own. She said accepting the actress’s death remained difficult for her.
“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,” Daramola said.
Toyosi Akinsanya, meanwhile, used her tribute to criticise those who questioned whether Osoba deserved industry support because she was not affiliated with a recognised association.
According to Akinsanya, such reactions showed a troubling lack of compassion, stressing that the actress’s contribution to Nollywood should not be determined by her membership of any organisation.
Akinsanya also recalled a conversation she had with Osoba, revealing that the actress had expressed her desire to return to work and build the family she hoped for.
“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.
“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.”
.https://twitter.com/i/status/2087241929930998024
Candle night of Tope Osoba 💔 pic.twitter.com/UbKY9lC3vb
— ⚡️YS (@whyess77) August 11, 2026
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