Yoruba actor Kunle Afod has announced the passing of veteran Nollywood actress, Iya Ile Okan.
Her death comes just two months after Afod paid her a visit at her home in Ogun State, where she spoke openly about her health struggles and the financial burden of her medical treatment.
At the time, Afod shared a video from the visit on Instagram with the caption, “Iya Ile Okan really needs God’s intervention.” Sadly, that prayer was not enough to keep her with us.
In a touching post shared on Tuesday, October 14, Afod expressed his grief, writing, “We finally lost her. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Iya Ile Okan, it’s a final wrap.”
Kunle Afod has become known for his efforts to spotlight and support veteran actors in the Yoruba film industry. Over the years, he has reached out to many elderly colleagues, offering assistance and compassion both privately and publicly.
Recently, the actor explained why he decided to make his charity work visible after years of doing it quietly.
The 51-year-old filmmaker revealed that for a long time, he had been helping aging Nollywood veterans behind the scenes, providing emotional and financial support to those who were struggling. However, after turning 50, he began sharing his outreach publicly following comments from fans who accused actors of neglecting the industry’s pioneers while focusing only on personal celebrations.
According to Afod, going public was his way of showing that many in the film community still care deeply about those who paved the way.
Iya Ile Okan’s passing marks the end of an era for Yoruba cinema, and her memory will continue to live on through her unforgettable performances and the lives she touched.
