Yoruba Movie Industry Mourns Veteran Actor, Elegbeje Ado

The Yoruba film industry has been plunged into mourning following the death of veteran actor and Christian cleric, Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, whose passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned both the entertainment and gospel ministries.

Adeshina reportedly died on Monday, June 29, 2026, after a brief illness. News of his death broke on Tuesday, triggering an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and members of the gospel film community, who celebrated his immense contributions to Yoruba cinema and his unwavering commitment to Christian evangelism.

Widely regarded as one of the respected character actors in the Yoruba movie industry, Adeshina built a distinguished career through memorable performances in numerous indigenous films. His versatility, professionalism and dedication earned him admiration from audiences and fellow actors alike.

Beyond the screen, Adeshina answered the call to Christian ministry and later announced his decision to quit secular filmmaking in order to focus entirely on gospel film production and evangelism. The move reflected his desire to use drama as a platform for spreading the Christian faith and promoting moral values.

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His transition into gospel filmmaking further expanded his influence, making him a respected figure among faith-based filmmakers and younger actors who looked up to him as a mentor. Through his productions and pastoral work, he inspired many with his passion for excellence, discipline and service to God.

Although the exact cause of his illness was not disclosed, news of his passing has generated widespread reactions on social media, where admirers described him as a humble, gifted and selfless entertainer whose impact on the Yoruba film industry will endure for generations.

Tributes have continued to pour in from actors, filmmakers, church leaders and fans, many of whom remembered him not only for his unforgettable roles on screen but also for his devotion to Christian ministry and his exemplary lifestyle.

Adeshina’s death represents a significant loss to both the Nigerian entertainment industry and the gospel community. His enduring legacy lives on through the countless films he featured in, the gospel productions he championed and the many lives he touched through his ministry.

He is survived by his family, church members, colleagues and numerous admirers. As of the time of filing this report, funeral arrangements had yet to be announced.

Yoruba Movie Industry Mourns Veteran Actor, Elegbeje Ado

Fuji Icon Kollington Ayinla Is Alive, Not Dead — Mgt Debunks Death Rumours

The management of veteran Fuji musician, Kollington Ayinla, also known as Kebe-n-Kwara, has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that the music icon has died, describing the information as false, malicious, and misleading. In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Shamsudeen Ilori on behalf of the family and the HSKA Foundation, the singer’s organisation said the reports of Ayinla’s death were fabricated by individuals seeking attention and online traffic. “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded rumor circulating all over the Internet claiming that Kollington Ayinla Fuji Authority has passed away,” the statement read. The management stressed that the veteran artiste remains alive and in good health, adding that the rumour was deliberately designed to cause distress to the musician’s family, fans and associates. “Alhaji Kollington Ayinla is ALIVE, WELL, and IN GOOD HEALTH. Baba is currently enjoying himself, surrounded by family and close associates, and still blessing the world with his unmatched Fuji music dexterity and wisdom,” the statement added.

Describing the report as the handiwork of “heartless people,” the management accused those behind the claim of attempting to disrespect a living legend and create unnecessary confusion. The organisation also warned social media users and content creators against spreading unverified information, urging the public to verify claims before sharing them, threatening legal action against anyone found to have originated or deliberately circulated the false report. “Spreading false death news is not content — it’s wickedness. The family, management, and legal team of Alhaji Kollington Ayinla will not let this slide. Anyone caught creating or spreading this falsehood will face the full wrath of the law,” it stated. Reassuring supporters across the world, the organisation urged fans, friends, and family members to disregard the rumour entirely, saying the Fuji star remains healthy and appreciative of the goodwill shown towards him.

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This is not the first time the Fuji legend has been plagued by false death reports. In January 2024, Kollington Ayinla was forced to address similar rumours after speculation about his health circulated widely on social media. At the time, the 74-year-old musician released a video from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he was receiving treatment, to prove he was alive and recovering. “It is only God that can save a person but they really tried for me because I could have died but due to their efforts, I was saved,” the septuagenarian said in the video, expressing gratitude to the hospital management and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Born Abdulrasaq Kolawole Ilori on 20 August 1949, Kollington Ayinla hails from Ilota, a town on the outskirts of Ilorin, Kwara State. He ranks alongside his late friend and competitor, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, as one of the two most important artists to dominate Fuji music from its inception in the 1970s through to the 1990s. Kollington began recording for Nigerian EMI in 1974 and achieved a pronounced lead over Barrister in 1978 when he introduced the powerful bata drum into his sound, a departure from the talking drums that Fuji had relied upon until that time. In 1982, he set up his own label, Kollington Records, through which he released no less than 30 albums over the next five years. To date, he has recorded more than 100 albums and remains one of the most prolific artists in Nigerian music history. The rivalry between Kollington and Barrister was legendary, but the two eventually reconciled before Barrister’s death. Kollington was also involved in a public feud with “Queen of Waka” star Salawa Abeni, whom he married and had three children with, including popular rapper Big Sheff.

Fuji Icon Kollington Ayinla Is Alive, Not Dead — Mgt Debunks Death Rumours

Tems Apologises After Nervous Mix-Up at Obama Presidential Centre Ceremony

Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Tems has apologised after accidentally misnaming Barack Obama’s daughters during the official dedication of the $850 million Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, admitting she was overwhelmed by nerves on the global stage. The 30-year-old Afrobeats sensation, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, took to social media platform X following the June 18 ceremony to laugh off the moment, writing: “Lord knows I was nervous! Please forgive me!!!” The slip-up occurred as Tems addressed the audience at John Lewis Plaza on the centre’s 19-acre campus, moments before delivering a captivating performance of her hit single “Me & U”. Dressed in a vibrant red gown, she told the crowd: “I am so blessed and honoured to be here… this is you, everyone, here, to Mr and Mrs Obama, to Sandra, and all the family.” The reference to “Sandra” was a clear misstep—the Obamas’ daughters are Malia and Sasha Obama.

Despite the brief error, Tems received a warm reception for her performance at the globally televised ceremony, which featured an extraordinary lineup of music royalty. She shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Common, U2’s Bono and The Edge, Marc Anthony, Eddie Vedder, Marsai Martin and The Roots. Jennifer Hudson opened the event with the national anthem, while Christina Aguilera performed Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. John Legend and Common delivered a moving rendition of their Oscar-winning song “Glory”. The ceremony concluded with a powerful group performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” featuring multiple artists. Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended alongside Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha. Three other living former occupants of the Oval Office were present—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden—along with their wives. Former vice president Kamala Harris, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and international dignitaries including former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau were also in attendance.

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In his address at the ceremony, Obama called for overcoming divisions within American society, saying: “As unsettled as we are, people aren’t looking for perpetual anger and division. They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect.” He added: “Deep in our gut, we want to find a way to turn towards each other again.”

The $850 million facility, located on Chicago’s South Side, officially opened to the public on June 19—the Juneteenth holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery in the U.S. The 19.3-acre campus features a fully digital presidential museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, an NBA-regulation basketball court, a Women’s Garden, and a playground. The centre is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually.

Beyond Tems’ performance, Nigerian representation at the centre was further highlighted by a portrait from Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, which is featured in the centre’s permanent collection. Tems’ invitation to perform underscores the growing influence of African artists on major global stages, marking another milestone in her career defined by artistic excellence and international impact.

The Obama Presidential Centre celebrations began with the dedication ceremony on June 18 and will continue with public activities and community events until June 21. Tickets for the grand opening weekend have already sold out, with thousands of ticketed guests watching the ceremony on a big screen from a nearby park.

Tems Apologises After Nervous Mix-Up at Obama Presidential Centre Ceremony