Nollywood Mourns Again as Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Breast Cancer Battle, Days After Ogogo’s Death

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Nollywood has been thrown into mourning again following the death of Yoruba actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, popularly known as Atinuke Kareem, after a battle with breast cancer.

The actress’ death was announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), adding to a difficult period for members of the Yoruba film industry.

Kareem’s death came just nine days after the passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on August 23, 2026, following a battle with cancer at the age of 66.

The timing of the two deaths has deepened the sense of grief among colleagues and followers of the Yoruba movie industry, with many mourning another member of the acting community barely a week after Ogogo’s death.

TAMPAN Ogun State Executive Governor, Comrade Owolabi Yekuola Ajasa, announced Kareem’s death in a statement shared on Instagram. The title “Executive Governor” refers to his position within the association and not the office of the Ogun State governor.

The association expressed appreciation to everyone who had contributed money, offered prayers and provided emotional support during Kareem’s illness.

TAMPAN said the support received from colleagues, friends and members of the public was deeply appreciated by the actress’ family and the association.

However, the association said Kareem eventually died despite efforts to assist her treatment.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call,” the statement said, while urging members of the public to accept the development as the will of God.

The association prayed for the peaceful repose of Kareem’s soul and asked God to give her family, colleagues and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.

The actress had made a public appeal for financial assistance several months before her death as she battled breast cancer.

In a video circulated online, Kareem spoke about her health condition and appealed to Nigerians to support her treatment. She explained that her family had already spent considerable money on her medical care and that TAMPAN had also provided assistance.

According to reports, the actress said the financial burden remained overwhelming and appealed to members of the public to contribute whatever they could to help her continue treatment.

Kareem also disclosed that she had two young children, making her plea for assistance particularly emotional for many Nigerians who responded to her appeal.

Colleagues, fans and well-wishers subsequently rallied around her with financial contributions, prayers and messages of encouragement.

Despite the support, TAMPAN confirmed that the actress eventually lost her battle with the disease.

Kareem was a member of TAMPAN’s Ogun State chapter and worked in the Yoruba section of Nollywood. While she was not widely regarded as one of the industry’s biggest nationally recognised stars, she was known within the Yoruba movie community as a working actress and colleague.

Her death has also renewed attention on the growing financial burden of cancer treatment in Nigeria, particularly for patients requiring prolonged medical care.

Her passing follows that of Ogogo, one of the most respected figures in the Yoruba film industry, whose death on August 23 also followed a battle with cancer.

Ogogo’s death had already triggered an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers, fans and other entertainment figures across Nigeria.

The Yoruba film industry is now mourning Kareem as well, with messages of condolence expected to continue following the announcement of her death.

Earlier in 2026, Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo also died after complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, according to reports from his family.

The separate deaths have intensified discussions about cancer among members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the challenges faced by patients and families trying to finance treatment.

As tributes continue to emerge, Kareem’s colleagues and admirers have expressed sympathy to her family and loved ones.

Funeral arrangements were not widely available in the immediate reports announcing her death.

The Ogun State TAMPAN chapter has urged Nigerians to continue praying for Kareem’s family, colleagues and everyone affected by the loss.

Atinuke Kareem’s death marks another painful chapter for Nollywood, coming only days after the industry laid one of its veteran actors, Ogogo, to rest.