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Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem has died after a battle with breast cancer, the Ogun State chapter of TAMPAN has confirmed.
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Kareem had previously appealed publicly for financial support and prayers as the illness placed a heavy burden on her family.
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Her death comes amid a difficult period for the Yoruba film industry, which has lost several entertainers to cancer in recent weeks.
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Kareem is the latest loss, following the deaths of actress Tope Osoba and veteran actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan.
September 02, (THEWILL) — The Yoruba film industry is mourning the death of actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, who has died after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Kareem’s death was announced on Tuesday, September 1, by Owolabi Ajasa, the Executive Governor of the Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
The announcement was accompanied by a video of Kareem appealing for financial support and prayers during her treatment.
In the video, the actress spoke about the financial strain her illness had placed on her family and said TAMPAN had also tried to assist with her treatment.
She also appealed to Nigerians for help, noting that she had two young children.
TAMPAN Ogun State later expressed appreciation to colleagues, fans and well-wishers who supported Kareem during her illness.
In a statement signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, TAMPAN thanked those who provided financial assistance, prayers and encouragement.
The association said the support meant a lot to Kareem and her family during her treatment.
However, TAMPAN confirmed that she had died despite the efforts made to support her.
“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call,” the association said.
TAMPAN also condoled with Kareem’s family, colleagues and loved ones, while praying for strength for those mourning her.
Kareem’s passing adds to the grief in the Yoruba film community, which has lost two other notable entertainers in recent weeks.
In early August, 40-year-old actress and producer Temitope “Tope” Osoba passed away.
While initial public speculation linked her death to cancer, her family later clarified that she had previously recovered from the disease, attributing her passing instead to severe emotional distress and other health complications.
Less than three weeks later, on August 23, the industry lost veteran cinema icon Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan at the age of 66 following a battle with stage-four cancer.
Hassan, who spent more than four decades in the industry, was one of the most prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema.
Kareem was part of the Yoruba-language film community and was active with TAMPAN’s Ogun State chapter.
Her work was mainly connected to the indigenous Yoruba film industry.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Kareem, who is survived by her family and two young children.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
