…Nollywood stated: “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved actress, Aunty Ajara.”
LAGOS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, widely known as Aunty Ajara, has passed away.
Her death was confirmed on Thursday by Nollywood director Tobi Oladele Teemony, popularly called Tee Mony, in a statement posted on Instagram.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved actress, Aunty Ajara. She passed on overnight after a long and courageous battle with illness,” the statement said.
Teemony noted that the late actress received overwhelming love, prayers and financial assistance from well-wishers across the world during her illness, expressing deep appreciation to everyone who supported her.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by her with prayers, contributions, encouragement and compassion,” he said.
He also appealed to the public to discontinue further donations to the account earlier shared for her medical treatment, explaining that financial contributions were no longer needed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones and all those grieving this painful loss,” the statement added.
The announcement was accompanied by a video message from her elder brother, Ridwan Lasisi, who also confirmed her passing.
“My name is Ridwan Lasisi. I am Ajara’s brother. The doctor confirmed to us this morning that Ajara has passed on,” he said.
He thanked members of the public, industry stakeholders and supporters for their prayers and assistance, while reiterating that donations should no longer be sent to the account previously circulated for her care.
Ajara’s death comes barely a week after Teemony and other Nollywood figures, including Ronke Oshodi Oke, publicly appealed for urgent financial support as her health reportedly deteriorated despite ongoing treatment and help from colleagues and well-wishers.
At the time, it was disclosed that the actress was battling a liver-related illness and had been placed on oxygen in hospital, with reports also indicating that she was pregnant.
Several Nollywood stars, among them Wumi Toriola, Mide Martins, Afeez Owo and Ronke Oshodi Oke, had mobilised support and called for donations amid growing concern over her condition.
