2026 has been a difficult year for the Nigerian entertainment sector. Two months had hardly passed out of a year when the industry saw the departure of eight celebrities who had served as inspirations to many.
Recently, Taiwo Adegbodu, an Oyo-born gospel artist, passed away. The tragic loss reportedly occurred at his Lagos home. As at the time of writing this report, the cause of death is unknown, and burial arrangements have not been notified.
As fans and famous figures continue to pay respect to the late gospel artist’s life and legacy, WITHIN NIGERIA lists the names of Nigerian celebrities who died in the first two months of 2026 and briefly describes how they died.
Here are the Nigerian celebrities who have died in 2026 so far:
Esther Thomas
Esther Thomas, better known as Sunshine, was the first Nigerian celebrity to die in 2026. She died on January 9, 2026, as a result of complications during surgery to remove a big fibroids.
Esther, a 26-year-old girl, reportedly experienced significant stomach pain on December 28, 2025, and was initially admitted to Orchid General Hospital, where she was only given pain treatment owing to an ongoing physicians’ strike.
It was also revealed that she was transferred to another hospital for surgery, but unfortunately developed complications and died.
Bunmi Akinnaanu
Bunmi Akinnaanu, also known as Omije Ojumi, was the second Nigerian celebrity to die in 2026. She reportedly died on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital.
She felt excruciating pain as a result of her battle with a serious leg ailment that produced chronic bleeding and edema. Despite pleas from admirers and well-wishers, she died in a hospital after a long illness.
Afeez Adeshina
Afeez Adeshina, also known as Destiny Boy, was the third Nigerian celebrity to die in 2026. He died on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, after suffering from a long-term unknown sickness known as “Ogu oru,” which produced frequent convulsions.
According to his mother, Saida Adeshina, the sickness nearly drove him insane, and despite seeking therapy from hospitals, churches, and traditional healers, his health deteriorated.
Ifunanya Nwangene
Ifunanya Nwangene was the fourth Nigerian celebrity to die in 2026. Ifunanya, a Nigerian musician and previous competitor on The Voice Nigeria, died at the age of 26 after being bitten by a snake while sleeping.
According to reports, Ifunanya was bitten by a cobra at her house in Abuja. It was also alleged that she went to a local clinic for treatment but was told they didn’t have antivenom.
She was eventually transferred to the Federal Medical Center in Jabi, where she received some treatment, but her condition deteriorated, and she died at 12:20 p.m. on January 31, 2026.
Matthew Ogundele
Matthew Ogundele, a gospel singer, is the fifth Nigerian celebrity to die in 2026. He and three others were discovered dead in a music studio in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 4, 2026.
According to sources, the victims, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya (JoesTv), had spent the night at the studio after performing at a birthday praise event.
The studio owner, Akintayo Akinbola, stated that he had left the artists at the studio after purchasing food for them, and when he arrived the next morning, the door was shut from the inside.
The police apprehended a suspect, described as the event organizer, and the matter has been turned over to the State Criminal examination Department for further examination.
Ajara Lasisi
Ajara Lasisi, often known as Aunty Ajara, was Nigeria’s sixth celebrity to die in 2026. She died on February 5, 2026, following a lengthy fight with a liver disease.
According to accounts, she had been hospitalized and was receiving oxygen before passing away.
Her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, confirmed her death and expressed gratitude to everyone for their support and prayers during her sickness.
However, unsubstantiated stories indicate she was pregnant at the time of her death, complicating her health concerns.
Bamidele Oluwatope
Bamidele Oluwatope, often known as Okemesi, was the eighth Nigerian celebrity to die in 2026.
He died on February 24, 2026, after sliding into a coma as a result of complications from medication administered at a private hospital.
According to accounts, he had been suffering health concerns and was homeless before recently moving into a new residence obtained by public donations.
His colleague, Tony Montana, announced his death, noting that Okemesi was pronounced dead at 11:50 a.m., and that his body was transferred to the morgue and buried.
