Nollywood Mourns Tope Osoba as Actress Dies After Long Battle With Breast Cancer

Nollywood actress Tope Osoba has died after a long battle with breast cancer, leaving fans, colleagues and loved ones mourning the loss of an actress who had publicly fought to overcome the disease.

Osoba had opened up about her health struggles in 2025, revealing that her journey began after she discovered a lump in her breast during a routine self-examination at the age of 39.

Her initial attempt to seek medical attention reportedly did not raise alarm. According to Osoba, a doctor at a private hospital initially attributed the lump to her being of childbearing age, noting that she had neither conceived nor breastfed.

Still concerned, the actress continued monitoring the lump and eventually noticed that it had grown.

Further medical examinations confirmed that she had cancer.

Speaking to BBC News Yoruba at the time, Osoba described receiving the diagnosis as one of the worst moments of her life, saying she immediately feared losing her breast and even her life.

A subsequent CT scan, however, offered some relief as doctors found that the cancer had not spread significantly. She was told she would not need a mastectomy or chemotherapy and would instead undergo radiation treatment.

The financial burden of treatment soon became another challenge.

Osoba appealed to colleagues and members of the public for assistance, with actress Foluke Daramola helping to raise awareness and funds for her treatment.

After learning that many people did not recognise Osoba, Daramola reportedly encouraged her to make a public appeal herself. The actress subsequently shared her story publicly, and the campaign received enough support for her to complete her treatment.

Osoba was later placed on a five-year medication plan, during which doctors advised her against becoming pregnant.

Despite successfully completing treatment and fighting hard for her recovery, news of her death has now left many Nigerians heartbroken.

Her passing has sparked an emotional wave of tributes online, with fans and colleagues remembering a woman who had openly documented one of the most difficult battles of her life and had given many hope through her determination to survive.