Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has accused some members of the Nigerian film industry of refusing to contribute to the burial of late actress Temitope Osoba because they claimed she was not a member of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Adesanya made the allegation on Tuesday during the candlelight procession and artistes’ night organised in honour of Osoba in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Speaking on behalf of TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, Adesanya said she had approached the association’s leadership about raising funds for Osoba’s burial, but some colleagues reportedly rejected the idea.
According to her, they argued that Osoba was not a TAMPAN member and was no longer practising.
Adesanya, who serves as TAMPAN’s National Director of Social and Welfare, insisted that Osoba was a registered member of the association’s Eti-Osa chapter and condemned what she described as unnecessary rivalry and hypocrisy among industry practitioners.
She said, “When Tope died, I spoke with the president about soliciting funds for her burial, but some colleagues declined, saying she was not a member of TAMPAN and that she did not practise.”
She added that a similar situation occurred following the death of actor Murphy Afolabi.
Osoba’s death came less than a year after she publicly spoke about her battle with breast cancer and appealed for financial assistance to fund her treatment. In August 2025, she announced that she had returned to acting after undergoing surgery and other treatment, saying she had been declared cancer-free.
Her death has since sparked reactions from fans and colleagues, particularly over the level of support she received while battling the illness and after her death.
Adesanya urged members of the entertainment industry to support and celebrate one another while they are still alive rather than waiting until tragedy strikes.
She also criticised the apparent lack of support for Osoba during her lifetime, noting that the large turnout at her candlelight procession contrasted with the limited assistance she reportedly received when she needed it.
She called on practitioners to put aside rivalry and division and embrace love, unity and genuine support within the industry.
