Nigerian actress Aunty Ajara, known for her comic roles in Nollywood films, died on Thursday, February 5, 2026, following a brief illness related to her liver. Her death was confirmed by a doctor to her family earlier that day.
The news was announced in a video statement circulated online by her elder brother, Ridwan Lazeez. In the message, he expressed the family’s gratitude for the public’s earlier financial and moral support during her medical treatment. The statement, shared on the Instagram page “Mama no Network,” noted that Ajara passed away overnight after what was described as a long and courageous battle with illness.
“During this difficult period, Ajara received immense love, prayers, and financial support from kind-hearted people across the world,” the statement read. It then requested that the public cease sending donations to a previously shared bank account, stating such contributions were no longer needed. The family asked for privacy and prayers as they mourning her loss.
According to the Media Talk Africa, Ajara’s death comes just days after several of her colleagues in the film industry publicly solicited funds online to cover her escalating medical expenses. This practice of crowdfunding for healthcare is common among actors in Nigeria’s prolific film sector, where many lack comprehensive medical insurance.
Ajara, affectionately called “Aunty” by fans, was a recognizable figure in Yoruba-language cinema, often cast in motherly or comedic supporting roles despite her petite stature. Her passing has drawn an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow entertainers across social media platforms.
While memorial arrangements are yet to be announced, her death highlights the ongoing challenges related to healthcare access and financial security for many artists in the Nigerian movie industry. She is survived by her family and numerous colleagues in Nollywood.
