Sola Onayiga, a well-known Nollywood actress, died on July 18, and the reason for her death has yet to be established. She rose to prominence for her role as Ireti in the family drama Fuji House of Commotion.
Husseini Shaibu, a well-known film critic, revealed the news on Twitter, writing:
“I just found out that the acclaimed stage and screen actress and Fellow of Theatre Arts, Auntie Sola Awojobi Onayiga, died today.” Auntie Sola is most known for playing Ireti nicknamed Cooking Practicals in the failed TV comedy ‘CHECKMATE!’ “Travel safely, Ma!”
Sola Onayiga’s death
Though the reason for her death for Onayiga has not been confirmed, she was taken to the ICU of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, according to some sources. However, the cause for Onayiga’s hospitalization is unclear, and further information is expected. The actor has had sickle cell anemia her whole life. Her family members have yet to release an official comment on the matter, and it is unknown if she has had any previous health concerns in the past.
Sola Onayiga’s professional career
In 2015, the Social Democratic Party elected Sola Onayiga to represent Ikorodu Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. She completed her secondary school and began working for the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Sola said in an interview:
“I was hired as an interviewer; that is, I questioned persons who traveled over the nation to get comments on Abuja’s fitness as the Federal Capital Territory.” This happened somewhere between 1976 and 1977. I was sent to Dodan Barracks to conduct interviews with the troops.”
She enrolled in the National Institute of Internal Auditors before leaving to study drama at the University of Ife (OAU). As a beginner, she made her acting debut in Fred Agbeyegbe’s The King Must Dance Naked, her first professional engagement. She was given a professional fee for her role as Queen Odosun, one of the main characters. Following this, her supporters began referring to her as Queen Osun. She also featured in Checkmate, as well as a few more Nollywood movies.
Meanwhile, it was her presence at Fuji House of Commotion that first brought her to national attention. Amaka Igwe produced and directed the comedy, which was a spin-off of the serial opera Checkmate. The plot of Fuji House of Commotion revolves around the lives of a wealthy guy who is married to four women and has four children.
Twitter users pay tribute
Sola Onayiga rose to prominence as a great actor throughout the years. When word of her death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes. Some expressed their sadness upon learning of the actress’s demise. Fans also remembered another Nollywood actor, Ada Ameh, and offered their respects to both Onayiga and Ameh. Some admirers described the deaths of both ladies as “quite a gloomy day for Nollywood.”
RIP Sola Onayiga, The Ireti of Fuji House, ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tYv4bLbzwk
— Wolfie 🐺 (@TheIgboWolf) July 18, 2022
Rest in Peace Ada Ameh and Sola Onayiga.
What a Monday! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/dRufokAEV4— Rhenoma (@rhenoma) July 18, 2022
