Nollywood was thrown into mourning on Friday as family members, friends and colleagues gathered in Lagos to bid farewell to late actress, producer and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola, who was laid to rest amid tears and heartfelt tributes.
The burial ceremony was marked by deep emotion as her remains were committed to the earth, with several colleagues visibly overwhelmed by grief.
Videos from the graveside captured sombre moments as actors and loved ones struggled to hold back tears while paying their final respects.
Among those present were Liz DaSilva, who appeared deeply emotional, alongside Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Saheed Balogun and Kunle Afod.
The final interment followed a series of remembrance activities held in her honour, including a candlelight procession and a service of songs.
The candlelight procession took place on Thursday night and was led by prominent Nollywood figures such as Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo and Iyabo Ojo.
Earlier in the day, a service of songs was held at LTV8 in Lagos, drawing a large turnout of actors, filmmakers and industry stakeholders.
Several notable names in the Yoruba film industry were in attendance, including Wumi Toriola, Afeez Owo, Faithia Williams, Mr Latin, Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Yemi Solade, Bakare Zainab, Foluke Daramola and Jigan Babaoja, among others.
During the service, Rotimi Salami, described by many as one of Ademola’s closest friends, delivered an emotional address.
He appealed to anyone who may have been hurt by the late actress to forgive her and continue to pray for the repose of her soul.
He also urged colleagues to preserve her legacy through unity and mutual support within the industry.
A moment of reconciliation also occurred during the service of songs when Ademola’s brother publicly apologised to actress Iyabo Ojo over remarks he had made shortly after his sister’s death.
Addressing her directly, he expressed regret over the misunderstanding and clarified that his comments were not intended as a personal attack.
The apology followed a controversial video he released in December 2025, in which he criticised some Nollywood colleagues over what he described as insincere tributes and lack of support for his sister while she was alive.
His comments had sparked widespread reactions across social media.
Iyabo Ojo had earlier responded to the claims, insisting that she supported Ademola during her lifetime through professional collaboration, financial assistance and personal encouragement.
Allwell Ademola, who featured prominently in both Yoruba and English-language films, passed away on December 27, 2025, after suffering a heart attack at her Lagos residence.
She was 49 years old.
