Popular Nollywood actress, Omotola Odunsi, also known as Motola the Actor, has passed away at 31.

The news of her death was confirmed by fellow actor Akinola Akano, also known as Segbowe, who shared a screenshot of their final conversation via his Instagram handle. In it, Omotola had mentioned she was feeling better after being unwell, making her sudden demise even more devastating.

“Motola! Ah! Strange… but I tried checking on you at the wee hours… Journey well, sister. God be with your family,” Segbowe wrote in his tribute.

As of the time of this report, the cause of her death has not been officially disclosed. Friends and fans alike have continued to express shock, as she had recently posted on her social media, showing no visible signs of serious illness.

Motola the Actor was born and raised in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, though her family hails from Ago-Iwoye. She studied Microbiology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where her passion for acting took root through stage performances with Lateef Adedimeji’s troupe. 

After working briefly as a bank credit officer, she left the corporate world in 2019 to fully focus on acting, a decision backed by her family and facilitated by her acceptance into Odunlade Adekola’s film training program in 2018.

Omotola gained recognition through Yoruba-language films like Lisabi: The Uprising, Ajanaku, and Doctor Adunni, showcasing her talent and emotional depth.

Other colleagues in the Nollywood community, friends, and family expressed their grief at the sad passing of the rising star.

Famous actor and director, Odunlade Adekola, who mentored Omotola during her acting career, also acknowledged her passing in a short message on his Instagram story: “Jesus Christ. Rest in peace, Omotola.”

Actress Ashabi Simple recounted their plans to collaborate on upcoming projects and shared her deep sense of disbelief at her death, saying, “You’re one of the best actors I’m rooting for… We promised to feature each other in our next project… You laboured and didn’t await your harvest.