Nollywood Legend Taiwo Adeshina Passes Away at 66

Taiwo Adeshina, a veteran Nollywood actor popularly known as Elegbej Ado, died on June 29, 2026, at the age of 66. His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting tributes from colleagues and fans.

Adeshina was renowned for his roles in Yoruba films, particularly for his lead character in the 1991 film "Elegbej Ado," which established him as a household name. His acting style was marked by emotional depth, often portraying complex traditional characters.

Beyond his acting career, Adeshina devoted his later life to Christian ministry, becoming a pastor and stepping away from mainstream filmmaking in 2016, although he briefly returned in 2025 to produce a Christian-themed film. Fellow actor Kunle Afod praised Adeshina as a legend of Yoruba cinema, emphasizing his immense contributions and the legacy he left behind.

His passing adds to the list of notable figures lost in the Nigerian film industry recently, underscoring a challenging period for Nollywood.