The Osoba family of Abeokuta, Ogun State, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of their daughter, Nollywood Actress, Tope Osoba, who died on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
In a statement signed by Damilola Osoba on behalf of the family, the deceased was described as a responsible, cerebral and resourceful woman who had experienced significant personal and emotional challenges before her death.
The family said Tope had battled cancer in the past and subsequently faced a prolonged period of emotional distress and health-related difficulties.
According to the statement, Tope reconnected with her paternal family in May 2025 after distancing herself from her maternal relatives in Iperu. She had contacted her paternal aunt, Reverend Mother Kehinde Osoba Eritosin, seeking parental support, guidance and care because of the difficulties she was experiencing.
The statement said Mother Osoba subsequently became closely involved in her life, with Tope regularly discussing her personal and marital challenges with her and seeking her counsel. On July 31, Tope contacted Mother Osoba concerning her deteriorating health and difficulties in her relationship with her fiancé, with whom she had reportedly lived for about two years.
It added that on August 2, while receiving medical treatment, Tope again contacted Mother Osoba and asked her to speak with her fiancé. She subsequently provided his telephone number to enable her aunt to intervene.
According to the family, Mother Osoba contacted the fiancé and requested an urgent meeting to discuss Tope’s situation. However, the man reportedly indicated that he could meet her on the following Tuesday, August 4, the day Tope died.
The family also disclosed that Mother Osoba had formally embraced Tope as an adopted daughter following consultations with members of the family. She reportedly introduced her to her children, added her to the family communication platform and provided her with guidance and support.
The statement said that about five weeks before her death, Mother Osoba purchased and sent Tope the family’s Aso Ebi for an event in Victoria Island, Lagos, although Tope was unable to receive the package from the dispatch rider. Mother Osoba had also invited Tope’s fiancé for an urgent meeting about a week before her death after becoming concerned about messages and communications indicating that Tope’s health and personal circumstances were deteriorating.
The statement further explained that on August 4, Mother Osoba received a distress call from Tope’s female friend and hairdresser concerning her condition. The aunt subsequently requested that Tope be brought to her church in Ikorodu for medical and spiritual attention.
However, while Mother Osoba was attending the eighth day Service of Songs for the late Supreme Head of the C&S Unification Church, the Aladura Alogbo, she received a call from the Divisional Police Officer of Igbogbo Police Station, Ikorodu.
The police officer informed her that a woman identified as Tope Osoba was at the station with people who said they were taking her to Mother Osoba’s church.
The family said Tope had reportedly been involved in a disturbance around Ita Elewa, Ikorodu, after which the police intervened.
Mother Osoba confirmed Tope’s identity and told the police that she would come to the station. However, because of traffic delays on her journey from Abule Egba to Ikorodu, she reportedly asked that Tope be released into the care of her companions and taken to the church, where she would meet them.
According to the family, the police subsequently released Tope to her friend and two maternal relatives who had arrived from Sagamu.
The statement said that instead of waiting for Mother Osoba to arrive at the church, Tope’s companions later took her to another spiritual centre in Ikorodu, where prayers were offered and she was given refreshments before her maternal relatives decided to take her to Sagamu. Mother Osoba made several attempts to reach Tope and her friend while travelling to Ikorodu, but the calls were not answered.
According to the account provided by Tope’s maternal relatives, her condition deteriorated during the journey to Sagamu, prompting them to take her to a private hospital in the area.
The doctor reportedly referred her to the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, after assessing the seriousness of her condition.
The family said Tope died inside the vehicle upon arrival at the teaching hospital, before she could receive further medical attention.
Mother Osoba was reportedly informed of Tope’s death on Wednesday, August 5, after eventually reaching her friend by telephone.
The Osoba family said the clarification was issued to provide context and appeal for calm among relatives, friends, colleagues, associates and members of the public mourning the deceased.
They urged the public to refrain from sensationalising Tope’s death on social media, stressing that its priority was to ensure that she received a dignified burial.
“We believe that life belongs to God, who is the ultimate giver and taker of life,” the family said, adding that it appreciated everyone who had offered condolences, prayers, encouragement and support.
The family said details of a memorial service for Tope would be announced after consultations among relatives.
