The family of veteran Nollywood actress, Peju Ogunmola, has officially debunked claims that her only child, Sola Ayomikun Omobolanle, died from a bathroom fall in the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Friday, the family clarified that Ayomikun passed away in Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness and has since been buried.
The announcement followed days of speculation and misinformation on social media, where several blogs alleged that the late Ayomikun died in a tragic accident abroad.
The family, through spokesperson Yemi Amodu, dismissed the reports as “false and deeply distressing.”
According to the official statement, Ayomikun received first-class medical attention during his brief illness but could not overcome the ailment.
He was pronounced dead in a hospital in Ibadan before being laid to rest at Eternal Rest Home.
The statement read in part:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Sola Ayomikun Omobolanle, the only child of Sunday and Peju Ogunmola Omobolanle.
Contrary to reports circulating online, Ayomikun did not die in a bathroom accident. He fell ill, was given adequate medical care, but eventually answered the call of his Creator peacefully.”
The family urged Nigerians to disregard the bathroom fall narrative, warning bloggers and social media users against spreading misleading stories that could tarnish the late Ayomikun’s memory.
“These falsehoods dishonour his memory and add to the pain of our grieving family. We strongly appeal for sensitivity and respect during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Ayomikun’s death has plunged the Nigerian film industry into mourning.
Peju Ogunmola, who hails from a celebrated lineage of theatre icons, is the wife of actor Sunday Omobolanle (a.k.a. Papiluwe) and daughter of legendary dramatist Kola Ogunmola.
Her colleagues in Nollywood have expressed shock at the tragic loss. Popular actress Biola Adebayo was among the first to confirm the news via Instagram, describing the death as “heartbreaking and devastating.”
She wrote:
“This is a big loss. It is tragic and painful. May God almighty comfort Mummy Peju Ogunmola, who just lost her only child. May the Lord strengthen the family in this tough time.”
Several other Nollywood stars, including actors from the Yoruba film industry, have shared condolence messages, calling Ayomikun’s passing “a tragedy too heavy to bear.”
The controversy surrounding Ayomikun’s cause of death has reignited discussions on fake news in Nigeria’s digital space.
In recent years, several high-profile deaths have been misreported, with bloggers spreading unverified information for clicks.
Media analysts argue that such practices not only mislead the public but also inflict additional trauma on grieving families.
The Ogunmola family’s swift intervention to correct the narrative underscores the growing need for responsible journalism and fact-checking in the digital era.
Ayomikun’s passing represents more than the loss of a son to his mother—it also cuts deep into the fabric of a theatre dynasty that has shaped Nigerian entertainment for decades.
The Ogunmola family is regarded as one of the most respected in the Yoruba movie industry, with generations contributing to film and stage productions.
Friends close to the family revealed that Ayomikun was “a vibrant, humble, and promising young man,” whose life was tragically cut short.
The family described him as “a jewel, a precious child, and a rising star whose light shone brightly and touched many lives.”
Since the news broke, fans have taken to social media to offer condolences and words of comfort to the grieving mother.
Many sympathizers have prayed for strength for Peju Ogunmola, acknowledging that the loss of an only child is an unimaginable pain.
In their closing words, the family expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support:
“We remain grateful to everyone who has reached out to us in this moment of grief. We pray that no family will experience such a profound and untimely loss.”
The death of Ayomikun has not only left Nollywood in mourning but also highlights the urgent need for sensitivity in reporting tragic events.
While the Ogunmola family grapples with their painful loss, they have made it clear that his legacy will be remembered with dignity, not with falsehoods.
For now, the industry rallies around Peju Ogunmola, offering prayers, solidarity, and support as she faces one of the most heartbreaking chapters of her life.