Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor Taiwo Adeshina, widely recognised by his stage name Elegbeje Ado, has died at the age of 66 following a brief illness.
His death occurred on Monday, June 29, and has sparked tributes from colleagues and fans who remember him as one of the most respected figures in Yoruba cinema.
The news of his passing was confirmed by fellow actor Adekunle Afod through a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram.
“We regret to announce the passing of one of the legends of the Yoruba Nollywood industry, Baba Elegbeje Ado.
Your immense contribution to the growth of Yoruba cinema, your talent, and the joy you brought to countless lives will never be forgotten,” Adekunle wrote.
Adeshina built a successful acting career spanning more than two decades, earning admiration for his convincing portrayals of kings, chiefs, elders and other culturally significant characters in Yoruba epic and historical films.
His deep command of the Yoruba language and ability to bring traditional stories to life made him one of the industry’s most recognisable faces.
His stage name, Elegbeje Ado, was inspired by one of his most famous film roles. The character became so popular that it eventually replaced his real name among colleagues and fans alike.
Some of his best-known productions include Ageku Abela and Oko Abiku, films that helped cement his place in Yoruba cinema.
He Spoke Openly About Industry Pressure
Beyond his acting career, the Yoruba Nollywood actor was also known for speaking publicly about personal challenges he encountered during his years in the entertainment industry.
During an interview on actor Kunle Afod’s YouTube channel, Adeshina claimed that he was encouraged by some individuals within the industry to join alleged occult groups if he wanted to maintain his success and popularity.
According to him, he rejected those suggestions because of his Christian beliefs and refused to compromise his faith for fame.
His comments attracted widespread attention at the time, as he explained that his convictions guided many of the decisions he made throughout his career.
A Legacy That Extended Beyond Nollywood
In 2025, Taiwo Adeshina stepped away from mainstream Nollywood to dedicate more time to Christian ministry and faith-based filmmaking.
The decision marked a significant turning point in his life as he focused on producing movies that reflected his religious values.
His first gospel film, Egberun Odun (One Thousand Years), introduced audiences to the new direction he had chosen after years of success in traditional Yoruba cinema.
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Colleagues have continued to remember him as an actor whose performances celebrated Yoruba culture while inspiring younger generations of performers.
Many have also praised his commitment to staying true to his beliefs despite the pressures he said he faced during his career.
At the time of filing this report, the family had not announced details of his funeral arrangements.
