Everyday People’s Star, Tolani Akintunde, Dies of Heart Attack, Fans Thrown into Mourning: “Rest On”
- Nollywood actress Tolani Akintunde has passed away in the UK, years after moving with her daughter
- According to reports making the rounds online, she died a few days ago after a suspected heart attack
- Akintunde's demise has left fans and family in mourning, with many sending condolences and prayers
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Nollywood actress Tolani Akintunde has reportedly passed away in the United Kingdom following a heart attack.
According to reports making the rounds online, she died a few days ago. The news was first shared by media personality and Best of Nollywood Awards organiser, Seun Oloketuyi.
Source: Instagram
The post stated that her death came as a upsetting news to her family and friends, who initially found it difficult to come to terms with the reports.
Eventually, they accepted reality and have continued to mourn her loss, while Akintunde's daughter is also coming to terms with her mom's passing.
Tributes have flooded the Facebook page where her death was first announced, with many people recalling fond memories of the late Nigerian actress.
Tolani Akintunde’s journey from Nollywood to UK
Before relocating abroad, Akintunde was a respected figure in Nollywood.
She made a name for herself by starring in popular TV soaps such as Everyday People and Palace, both produced by Tajudeen Adepetu, which aired prominently in the early 2000s.
The actress later moved to the United Kingdom with her daughter in search of greener pastures, where she launched a new career and ventured into business.
Source: Instagram
Other Nigerian celebrities lost in 2025
The year 2025 has been particularly difficult for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, which has lost several beloved figures.
Actress and model Monalisa Stephen recently passed away and has been buried. Movie producer Rotimi Raji was found dead after collapsing in his bathroom.
Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje, who died last month, was laid to rest a few days ago in Anambra State. The post is included below.
How fans reacted to Akintunde's death
Reactions trailed the death of the actress. Legit.ng has compiled some of the comments below:
@omotayo Elebijo stated:
"Sun re oo Tola. You will be remembered for making people around you happy.
@kolamartins03 commented:
"Rest on beloved. This really heartbraking."
@ola_awode said:
"Heartbreaking! Rest in peace, Tola. Slleep peacefully inti the resurrection morning."
@crownjummy wrote:
"Rest in perfect peace, may God be with your daughter. My deepest condolences."
@Princess Feyikemi Ayoola Egbeyemi wrote:
"My dearest Tola, words fall me when I heard about your demise. may you rest in peace. may the Lord send helpoers to your daughter in Jesus name."
@olugbenga Bolaji Kowe said:
"Ha, why Tolani, why,? May you continue to rest in perfect peace."
Public health expert decries poor heart check culture
Reacting, public health expert Munachim Frank-Dobi described the sudden death of Nollywood actress Tolani Akintunde as a painful reminder of the “silent” but deadly nature of heart-related diseases.
Speaking on why routine health checks remain uncommon, she told Legit.ng that the role of social determinants in shaping people’s health-seeking behaviour must be properly examined.
"Firstly, there isn't a widespread awareness of the risk factors or warning signs of CVDs (cardiovascular diseases). The average Nigerian will only go to the hospital when there are symptoms, but conditions like hypertension are usually asymptomatic in the early stages."
"Secondly, we must look at the socio-economic barriers as well. Most Nigerians pay out of pocket for healthcare, which is like taking a shortcut to poverty. The cost of routine care, plus the difficulty in accessing healthcare in Nigeria, is a strong deterrent for seeking healthcare. Cultural beliefs also play a role in how we handle health issues."
Frank-Dobi further stressed the importance of taking health education to the grassroots through familiar and trusted institutions.
"To increase awareness, we must touch base with grassroots organizations like communities and religious institutions, where most people obtain information. Cardiovascular health awareness must be included in our everyday platforms. Public health campaigns should be tailored to the realities of the population — we have to use local languages, trusted voices, relatable stories. We need to bring these routine checks closer to the people."
She added that cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension, remain a serious public health concern in Nigeria.
"CVDs like hypertension affect up to 46% of Nigerians and account for about 10% of deaths, so it is of serious public health concern."
The advocate of health access and equity in Nigeria concluded by calling for collective responsibility and sustained national focus.
Nollywood director Chijioke Ike dies
Legit.ng also reported that Nollywood producer Ajemba Stanley Chibueze, better known as Stanley Ontop, had shared the sad news about Nollywood director, Chijioke Ike.
In a post on Instagram, he announced the death of the producer and marketer, who died in his home, stating that Ike's family had called for a family meeting he attended.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a public health expert for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
