Beloved Nollywood actor and Yoruba movie producer Afeez Owo shared heartbreaking news on Friday as he announced the passing of his father, Moshood Akanji Abiodun. The actor’s somber announcement on Instagram reflected the deep sense of loss felt by both family and the entertainment community.
Through a poignant post that captured his grief, Owo simply expressed his sadness while bidding farewell to his beloved father. The actor’s emotional tribute, written in both English and Yoruba, demonstrated the cultural depth of his loss, particularly meaningful within the context of Yoruba tradition where father figures hold revered positions in family structures.
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of support from fellow Nollywood personalities, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the Nigerian film industry. Notable figures from across the entertainment landscape stepped forward to offer their condolences, demonstrating the respect commanded by both Owo and his late father within the community.
Veteran actor Yemi Solade’s heartfelt message stood out among the condolences, offering not just personal sympathies but extending support from his entire family. His words carried particular weight as he prayed for the departed soul’s eternal peace and asked for divine strength for the bereaved family to cope with their irreparable loss.
The news has resonated deeply within the Yoruba film industry sector of Nollywood, where Afeez Owo has established himself as a significant figure through his contributions as both an actor and producer. His colleagues’ responses reflected not just professional courtesy but genuine emotional support during this difficult time.
Among those offering condolences was Adeniyi Johnson, who acknowledged the gravity of the loss in Yoruba, demonstrating the cultural significance of such moments in their community. Fausat Balogun’s message carried a touching familiarity, referring to the deceased as “Daddy Popsy Tiwa,” highlighting the personal connections that often develop within the industry’s extended family.
Adekola Tijani’s message incorporated Islamic prayers for the deceased, representing the religious diversity and respect that characterizes Nigeria’s entertainment industry. His words of comfort, asking Allah to grant paradise to the departed soul, added a spiritual dimension to the communal expression of grief.
The timing of this loss adds particular poignancy to the end of the year, a period traditionally associated with reflection and family gatherings. Owo’s announcement, though brief, carried the weight of profound personal loss, particularly evident in his use of “Erin wo,” a Yoruba expression that carries deep cultural significance in moments of departure.
Throughout his career, Afeez Owo has become known for his significant contributions to the Yoruba film industry, making his mark both in front of and behind the camera. This personal loss has revealed another dimension of the man behind the performances, as colleagues and fans alike rally to support him during this difficult time.
The collective response from the entertainment community highlights the supportive nature of Nigeria’s film industry, where personal losses are shared and shouldered by the entire community. The varied messages of condolence, expressed in multiple languages and drawing from different faith traditions, showcase the rich cultural tapestry that characterizes Nollywood.
As the news continues to resonate through the industry, more expressions of support are likely to pour in for Afeez Owo and his family. The loss of a parent represents a significant milestone in anyone’s life, and the public nature of Owo’s profession means that he faces this private grief while receiving public support from his extended entertainment family.
The passing of Moshood Akanji Abiodun marks not just a personal loss for Afeez Owo but represents the departure of a father figure from the broader Nollywood community, where family connections often extend beyond biological ties to encompass professional relationships and friendships forged through years of collaboration.
