The death of Aunty Ajara has left Nollywood in deep sorrow after the beloved actress passed away following a tough fight with liver disease. Ajara Lasisi, known fondly as Aunty Ajara for her small stature and big screen presence, breathed her last overnight, just days after her fellow stars rallied the public for donations to cover her medical bills.
Fans and colleagues remember her as a fighter who brought warmth to every role, but her sudden loss at a time when help was pouring in hits especially hard.
Word came early this morning through posts from close friends in the industry. Tobi Oladele Teemony shared the sad update on social media, saying she went peacefully after holding on strong. Ajara had been in the hospital, hooked up to oxygen, as her condition took a turn for the worse.
What made it tougher – doctors found out she was pregnant back in December, and that added strain on her already fragile health. Mama No Network, another actress who stood by her side, explained in a video that the pregnancy hit her liver hard, leading to more complications. Despite raising over N5 million from kind hearts across Nigeria and beyond, it wasn’t enough to pull her through.
Ajara’s journey wasn’t easy from the start. Living with dwarfism, she turned what some saw as a challenge into her trademark charm on screen. She popped up in comedies and dramas, always stealing scenes with that infectious smile and quick wit.
People loved her for roles that showed everyday struggles with a touch of humour. But off-camera, life threw curveballs – she poured most of her earnings into caring for her mom, who suffered a stroke. That left little for herself when illness struck.
The call for help went out last week, with big names like Wunmi Toriola, Foluke Daramola, Mide Martins, Afeez Owo, and Ronke Oshodi Oke leading the charge. They shared her story far and wide, begging for prayers and cash to keep her fighting.
A video of Ajara in her hospital bed, looking weak but hopeful, tugged at heartstrings. “This is not content,” Mama No Network stressed in her plea. “We need serious support.” Fans responded, sending money and messages of hope. Yet, fate had other plans.
Social media turned into a sea of tributes right after the news broke. On X, posts poured in with heartbroken emojis and memories of her best moments. One user wrote, “Aunty Ajara brought joy to so many homes – rest easy.”
Another shared clips from her films, saying her laughter would live on. Even folks outside Nollywood chimed in, from market traders in Lagos to office workers in Abuja. “She was like family on TV,” a fan commented on Facebook.
Her brother confirmed the passing, keeping details close but thanking everyone who stepped up. Funeral plans aren’t out yet, but expect a big send-off – Nollywood knows how to honour its own. Stars have already started planning ways to remember her, maybe through scholarships or health drives in her name.
In quieter moments, friends recall Ajara’s spirit. “She never let her size define her,” one co-star shared in an old interview. Pregnant and ill, she held on as long as she could. Now, with her gone, the screen feels a bit dimmer.
Nigerians keep sharing her videos, keeping her alive in laughs and lessons. Aunty Ajara, may you rest in peace. Your light affected many. What did she leave behind? A reminder to value health and aid others. In bustling Lagos sets or rural homes watching her films, she’ll be missed. As one tribute put it, “Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”