The Nigerian film industry is in mourning, but a recent online controversy has sparked a debate about respect and grief in the digital age. Veteran Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has publicly called out some of her colleagues and fans for their behavior on social media following the tragic passing of fellow actress and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola.
A Shock to the Industry
Allwell Ademola, a beloved figure in the Yoruba film sector, died at the age of 49 on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Reports indicate she suffered a heart attack, a sudden loss that sent waves of sorrow through Nollywood. As tributes poured in from across the country, Laide Bakare observed actions she found deeply disrespectful.
Taking to her official Instagram page, Bakare shared a poignant and strongly worded message. She expressed her sadness at how the tragedy was being turned into a tool for social media engagement. "The way fans and colleagues are creating content with the passing of our dear sister is really sad," she wrote. Bakare concluded her post with a solemn warning: "Anyway, God is watching everyone. Rest well, Allwell."
The TikTok Allegation That Stirred Anger
What intensified the reaction to Bakare's post was a specific allegation she made. The actress claimed that some individuals who were reportedly very close to the late Allwell Ademola were active on the TikTok app just hours after her death was announced.
Bakare stated she was in shock to see these close friends openly on the platform, busy playing ‘Tap Tap’ games and collecting virtual gifts. This revelation prompted her to urge her followers to help identify and tag these “content creators” in her comment section, aiming to hold them accountable for their perceived insensitivity during a period of mourning.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The post quickly garnered significant attention online, with social media users sharing diverse opinions. Some agreed with Bakare's stance on respect for the dead, while others offered a different perspective on grief and the continuation of life.
One user, @funmilayo1430, commented, "Life continue jooo... Life will continue! When I heard about it... I can't eat my food again... I started thinking about life again." This sentiment echoed a view that daily life inevitably goes on, even in the face of loss.
Another user, @arrymind_, offered prayers: "Olorun maje ki ano oja warawara. Life will not stop for anyone. May Allah grant us longer years on earth with good health inshallah." Meanwhile, @azeeznurudeen_opeyemi focused on mourning the deceased: "I pray make we live long... seeing her pic everyday just dey touch me... she's very nice, funny, always play and respond to her fans."
The incident highlights the complex intersection of celebrity culture, personal grief, and public behavior on social media. As the industry continues to mourn Allwell Ademola, Bakare's comments have ignited a necessary conversation about digital etiquette and sincerity in times of collective sorrow.
