Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Rotimi Salami, has remembered his late colleague, Allwell Ademola, with an emotional tribute as the actress approaches what would have been her 50th birthday.
Ademola, who died in December 2025 at the age of 49, was born on August 9, 1976. Her birthday will therefore fall on Sunday, August 9, 2026, several months after her death shocked colleagues, friends and admirers across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Salami, who shared a close relationship with the late actress, took to Instagram to reflect on her absence and celebrate the body of work she left behind.
In an emotional message, the actor began by expressing his grief over another painful loss for Nollywood.
“Oh Death! Nollywood bleeds,” Salami wrote while remembering the actress affectionately known by the nickname “Shuga.”
He went on to point out the significance of the date, noting that Ademola would have reached the age of 50 on Sunday had she been alive.
“Shuga, you would be 50 years on Sunday, Aug. 9, if you were here,” he wrote.
Although acknowledging the pain of her absence, Salami said the late actress’ artistic contributions would continue to keep her memory alive.
He added that while Ademola was no longer physically present, the projects she created and the impact she made during her career would remain part of her legacy.
“Though you may be far gone away from us, but your works will live forever,” he said.
The tribute comes months after Ademola’s death triggered an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian film industry. Her passing on December 27, 2025, was confirmed by her family, which clarified that she was 49 years old at the time of her death.
The clarification was significant because initial reports surrounding the actress’ death had given a different age. In a statement signed by Adegboyega Adebayo on behalf of the Ademola family, she was officially identified as 49 at the time of her passing.
The family described her as a gifted and passionate creative who distinguished herself from childhood as an actor, singer, filmmaker and thespian. The family also noted her dedication to the creative industry and the number of lives touched by her work.
Ademola was known for working in both Yoruba and English-language productions and built a career that extended across acting, filmmaking, writing and music. Her career included appearances in several Nigerian productions, with her work as an actor and filmmaker earning her recognition among colleagues and audiences.
One of the films associated with her career was the 2018 production Ile Wa, in which she played the character Mama Kate. Her filmography also included productions such as Omo Emi, Mimi’s Voice, Third Eye, Badcop, Shattered Innocence and Ibro Ijaya.
Beyond acting, Ademola was also involved in film production and direction, allowing her to contribute to Nollywood both in front of and behind the camera.
Her creative activities also extended into music. She formed the band Allwell and Company and released music during her career, further reflecting the range of her interests within the Nigerian entertainment space.
Her death was particularly painful for Salami, who was among the colleagues who publicly mourned her after the news broke.
In the days immediately following Ademola’s death, Salami expressed the depth of his grief and acknowledged the difficulty of coping with the loss of someone who had been an important figure in his life and career.
The relationship between the two entertainers was also reflected during the late actress’ funeral activities in January 2026. Salami was among the Nollywood figures who attended the final rites and paid tribute to her.
Ademola was laid to rest at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos, on January 9, 2026. Several prominent actors and filmmakers attended the burial to honour her memory.
During the funeral period, Salami appealed to those who may have had disagreements with the late actress to forgive her and continue to remember her positively.
He also urged members of the industry to preserve her legacy rather than allowing her contributions to be forgotten after her death.
The latest tribute shows that Salami continues to remember Ademola months after her passing. Rather than focusing only on the circumstances surrounding her death, his message places emphasis on the work she left behind and the memories she created during her years in the entertainment industry.
As August 9 approaches, the significance of the date has added another emotional dimension to the remembrance. What would have been a milestone birthday has instead become an occasion for colleagues, friends, fans and admirers to reflect on the life and career of an actress whose journey in the Nigerian creative industry ended unexpectedly.
Salami also announced that Until My Last Breath will be released on The Salamis TV YouTube channel on August 9, the same date Ademola would have celebrated her 50th birthday.
The release appears designed to coincide with the late actress’ birthday and provide another opportunity for her work and memory to remain visible to audiences.
For Salami, the remembrance is not simply about marking another birthday without Ademola. It is also about ensuring that her creative contribution continues to have a place in the industry she served.
Ademola’s family had earlier expressed appreciation to colleagues, friends and well-wishers for the support they received following her death, describing the prayers, messages and condolences as a source of strength during the difficult period.
Her final rites also demonstrated the affection she commanded within Nollywood, with actors from different sections of the industry gathering to honour her.
Although she died before reaching 50, the upcoming birthday provides an opportunity for those who knew her to celebrate the life she lived and the creative legacy she left behind.
For Salami, that legacy remains central to how Ademola should be remembered. His message is ultimately a reminder that while an entertainer may leave the physical world, the films, performances and creative works left behind can continue to connect them with audiences long after their passing.
On Sunday, August 9, when Allwell Ademola would have turned 50, her colleagues and admirers will have another opportunity to remember the late actress – not only for the loss suffered by Nollywood, but also for the work she contributed to the industry during her lifetime.