Nollywood has suffered another painful loss barely eight days after the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem has died following a battle with breast cancer.
The Yoruba movie industry has once again been thrown into mourning following the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, popularly known as Atinuke Kareem.
Kareem’s death was announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by her colleague and Executive Governor of the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Owolabi Ajasa.
According to the announcement, the actress died after a prolonged battle with breast cancer, despite efforts by her colleagues, family members, fans and other well-wishers to support her treatment.
Her death has further deepened the grief in the Yoruba film industry, which is still mourning the loss of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on August 23 after battling cancer. Kareem died exactly eight days after Ogogo’s passing.
Actress Had Appealed for Help
Before her death, Kareem had publicly appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to continue her cancer treatment.
In an emotional video circulated online, the actress disclosed that she had been battling breast cancer for some time and that the cost of treatment had placed a significant financial burden on her family.
She also revealed that TAMPAN had made efforts to assist her but that more support was needed.
Kareem appealed to Nigerians to assist her with whatever amount they could afford, stressing that she had two young children and did not want to die because she could not afford adequate treatment.
TAMPAN Mourns Actress
Confirming her death, TAMPAN Ogun State expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers and encouraged the actress during her illness.
The association described her death as a painful and irrecoverable loss, saying that despite the collective efforts and prayers, Kareem had eventually passed away.
TAMPAN also extended condolences to her family, colleagues and loved ones while praying for strength for them to bear the loss.
Another Blow for Yoruba Nollywood
Kareem’s death comes at a particularly difficult moment for the Yoruba movie community.
The industry had only recently gathered in Ilaro for the eighth-day Fidau prayers for Ogogo, who was buried according to Islamic rites after his death on August 23.
The passing of Kareem, coming just days after Ogogo’s death, has therefore renewed concerns about the devastating impact of cancer on families and members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Atinuke Kareem was known for her appearances in Yoruba-language productions and was part of the cast of the comedy series Sàlàyé È, among other productions.
Her death has since sparked an outpouring of grief among colleagues, fans and other members of the entertainment industry.
May Atinuke Remilekun Kareem’s soul rest in peace, and may God grant her family, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
