Elegbeje Ado gone: Nollywood’s irreplaceable Yoruba cinema legend passes at 66
The African film world has lost one of its most beloved storytellers after Taiwo Adeshina, a towering figure in Yoruba-language cinema known professionally as Elegbeje Ado, expired following a brief health battle.
Adeshina, who was also an ordained pastor, breathed his last on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the age of 66, leaving behind decades of performances that anchored the Yoruba film genre during its most vibrant and prolific era.
The news of his passing was formally disclosed on Tuesday through an Instagram post by Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards — a figure intimately acquainted with Adeshina’s legacy within continental cinema.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor Taiwo Adeshina, a beloved Nollywood legend. Your remarkable contributions to the Yoruba movie industry and the lives you touched will never be forgotten. May God grant you eternal rest and comfort your family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, legend,” Oloketuyi wrote.
Adeshina’s career trajectory spanned multiple decades, during which he became synonymous with Yoruba film production — a genre that has historically served as a primary vehicle for West African storytelling and cultural expression.
His performances resonated across West Africa, earning him a devoted following among cinema-goers and establishing his name as synonymous with quality dramatic work in indigenous language cinema.
Beyond his contributions to Nollywood, Adeshina’s pastoral calling reflected a life dedicated to both artistic expression and spiritual guidance — a duality that earned him respect across multiple constituencies within Nigerian and continental African society.
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