The Nigerian film industry is once again in a state of deep mourning following the passing of legendary Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Pastor Taiwo Adeshina, widely known by his iconic screen name, Elegbeje Ado.
Reports confirm that the 66-year-old Nollywood veteran passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, following a brief illness.
The heartbreaking news was made public on Tuesday morning by popular filmmaker and colleague, Kunle Afod, via a touching social media tribute.
Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, also confirmed the actor’s untimely departure.
“We regret to announce the passing of one of the legends of the Yoruba Nollywood industry, Baba Elegbeje Ado,” Kunle Afod shared. “Your immense contribution to the growth of Yoruba cinema, your talent, and the joy you brought to countless lives will never be forgotten.”
The genesis of an Icon: How “Elegbeje Ado” was born
Taiwo Adeshina, whose father was also an actor, built a brilliant career that spanned more than two decades in indigenous Yoruba cinema.
He rose to absolute stardom in 1991 when he played the lead character in the hit movie Elegbeje Ado. The name—which translates to a man heavily fortified with potent traditional charms—stuck with him for the rest of his life.
Adeshina became a household name for his flawless portrayal of complex cultural figures, including:
Traditional rulers (Kings and Chiefs)
Community elders and advisors
Powerful herbalists and spiritual custodians
He was highly revered for his emotional depth, often taking on somber, intense roles that required deep emotional delivery, earning him comparisons to fellow Nollywood icon Olatunbosun Odunsi. Some of his most celebrated cinematic works include classics like Ageku Abela, Oko Abiku, and Kadara Mi.
From the screen to the pulpit: His transition into ministry
While Adeshina conquered the secular film industry, his life took a profound spiritual turn later in his career.
In 2016, he announced that he had received a divine call to full-time ministry. He subsequently stepped away from secular Nollywood to become an ordained Christian pastor, shepherding a church in Ogun State.
During a widely watched retrospective interview with Kunle Afod in April 2024, the late actor opened up about his spiritual journey, explaining that his prophetic visions started unexpectedly, prompting him to dedicate his remaining years to God.
However, his love for storytelling never truly died. He founded the Heroes of Faith Gospel Film Ministry and successfully pivoted into faith-based cinema.
He wrote and produced his first major gospel film, Egberun Odun (One Thousand Years), using his decades of filmmaking experience to spread evangelical messages.
Nollywood mourns a rare gem
The passing of Pastor Taiwo Adeshina adds to a painful string of losses for the indigenous movie sector recently.
Fans, industry stakeholders, and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating a rare talent who managed to leave an indelible mark on both traditional culture and faith-based media.
Details regarding his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
Read Also: Nollywood mourns as actress Aunty Ajara dies after battle with liver disease
