Barely eight days after the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, the Yoruba film industry has been hit by another tragic loss following the death of actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem. Kareem passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
The official announcement of her passing was made on Tuesday afternoon via social media by Owolabi Ajasa, the Executive Governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Ogun State Chapter.
A statement released on behalf of Ajasa by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended gratitude to those who rallied round the actress during her illness.
”We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the TAMPAN statement read.
“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call. We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest.”
Four months prior to her death, Kareem had made an emotional public plea for financial assistance on social media to help cover the soaring costs of her chemotherapy treatments, revealing she was fighting for her life to raise her two young children.
Her death comes amidst a lingering wave of grief across the Nigerian entertainment sector. Ogogo passed away at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at age 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed the news during an Instagram Live session, leading to his burial according to Islamic rites the following day in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State. On Monday, August 31, 2026, family and colleagues had gathered in Ilaro for Ogogo’s 8-day Fidau prayer, only for news of Kareem’s death to break hours later.
Funeral details and venue arrangements for Atinuke Kareem are expected to be announced by her family and TAMPAN representatives in the coming days.
