The Nigerian entertainment and creative industry has suffered a series of painful losses in the space of a few days, with the deaths of four notable personalities leaving colleagues, fans and loved ones grieving.
The deaths of juju musician Iyun Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet; Yoruba actress Temitope Osoba; filmmaker Dimbo Atiya; and relationship expert and media personality Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh, popularly called Coach Lara, have cast a shadow over different sectors of the industry.
Each of the deceased built a distinct identity through music, acting, television production, relationship counselling and personal development, leaving behind bodies of work that earned them recognition among Nigerians.
Saint Janet’s death sparks tributes
The first major loss came with the death of juju musician Iyun Ajilore, better known as Saint Janet, who died on August 1 following a brief illness.
Saint Janet was known for her unconventional approach to juju music, combining traditional rhythms and highlife influences with street slang, humour and provocative lyrics. Her energetic stage performances and distinctive personality helped establish her as one of the memorable figures in her genre.
The singer often presented herself with a strong sense of individuality, describing herself as the leader, or “G O of the Saint Bottles Cathedral and Sinners’ Chapel”.
Following news of her death, fans, musicians, socialites and other members of the entertainment community took to different platforms to mourn the singer and celebrate her contribution to Nigerian popular culture.
For many of her admirers, Saint Janet represented an era of entertainment in which musicians relied heavily on distinctive personalities, colourful performances and unconventional lyrical styles to connect with audiences.
Yoruba film industry loses Temitope Osoba
Barely days after Saint Janet’s death, another loss hit the Yoruba film industry with the passing of actress Temitope Osoba at the age of 40.
Osoba’s death was announced by her colleagues on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, prompting an outpouring of grief from members of the movie industry and her admirers.
Before her death, the actress had publicly spoken about her battle with cancer. She described the experience as one that significantly changed her life and used her platform to encourage greater awareness about the disease.
Her openness about her health challenges also brought attention to the emotional and personal difficulties associated with battling cancer, particularly for people navigating the illness away from the public eye.
A burial announcement posted on her Instagram page stated that Osoba would be laid to rest on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State.
The funeral service is scheduled to take place at Saint James Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, after which her remains will be interred at Iperu Remo Cemetery. The family has also asked mourners to wear white to the ceremony.
Filmmaker Dimbo Atiya dies at 53
While the Yoruba film community was still mourning Osoba, the Nigerian television and film industry was confronted with another major loss following the death of filmmaker Dimbo Atiya at the age of 53.
Atiya was widely regarded as an influential figure in Nigerian television production. His career was associated with a number of notable productions, including Sons of the Caliphate, Halita and the award-winning The Rishantes.
Beyond his work behind the scenes, Atiya was remembered by colleagues as a storyteller who understood the importance of developing compelling narratives and creating opportunities for other professionals within the industry.
Actors, producers, filmmakers and other creatives paid tribute to him following news of his death, describing him as a visionary storyteller and mentor whose influence went beyond the projects he produced.
His passing has therefore been viewed not only as the loss of an accomplished filmmaker but also as the departure of a creative figure who played a role in shaping contemporary Nigerian television.
Coach Lara dies weeks after welcoming first child
The wave of mourning was further deepened by the death of Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh, popularly known as Coach Lara, the wife of relationship expert and media personality Teddy Don-Momoh.
Coach Lara reportedly died after a brief illness, just weeks after welcoming her first child with Don-Momoh.
She was known for her work as a therapist, author, relationship coach and business strategist, building a public profile around relationships, emotional wellbeing and personal development.
Through her work, she became recognised for helping individuals understand and navigate relationship challenges while also encouraging personal growth and healthier interpersonal connections.
Her death has generated an emotional response among those who followed her work and benefited from her advice.
The family has appealed for privacy as they mourn her passing and stated that details concerning her funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
A difficult period for Nigeria’s creative community
The deaths of Saint Janet, Temitope Osoba, Dimbo Atiya and Coach Lara have come in quick succession, creating a difficult period for Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community.
Although the four personalities worked in different areas, their careers reflected the diversity of Nigeria’s creative and media landscape. Saint Janet made her mark through music and performance, Osoba through acting, Atiya through television and film production, while Coach Lara built a reputation in relationship counselling, personal development and media.
Their deaths have prompted tributes from colleagues, friends, fans and members of the wider public, with many reflecting on the legacies they leave behind.
For the Nigerian entertainment industry, the losses serve as a reminder of the people behind the productions, performances and platforms that continue to shape the country’s cultural identity.
As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues and admirers are left to remember four individuals who, in different ways, contributed to the creative and personal-development spaces and made lasting impressions on the people they encountered.