Months after enduring the tragic loss of her son, veteran Yoruba actress Peju Ogunmola has officially announced her return to the movie industry, marking an emotional comeback that has been warmly received by fans and colleagues alike.
The renowned actress, daughter of the late theatre legend Kola Ogunmola and wife of the celebrated comic actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe, revealed her return to acting through an emotional video shared on Instagram.
The video, captioned “A new month, a new dawn,” reflected her renewed spirit and gratitude for the overwhelming support she received during her mourning period.
Peju Ogunmola Returns to Screen After Mourning Period
In the emotional video, Peju Ogunmola expressed profound appreciation to her colleagues, family, and fans for standing by her through what she described as the most challenging time of her life.
She noted that the months following the death of her son, Ayomikun, were filled with grief, but the love she received from people across the world reignited her will to move forward.
“The past months have been heavy, but your love, prayers, and condolences have carried me through the storm.
Today, I rise, stronger, grateful, and ready to embrace my passion again.
The screens have missed me… and I’m back doing what I love most,” she said.
Ogunmola disclosed that she had battled depression following her son’s passing, describing how she spent several weeks struggling with sadness.
“For the past two months since I lost my child, I have been depressed and in deep pain. But as I grieved, the whole world showed me that they were with me,” she shared.
She added, “I see all the love you have showered me with. I feel your prayers. Your care is also noticed. Thank you all; I am grateful.”
An Emotional Yet Hopeful Return
Citing a popular Christian hymn, Ogunmola reaffirmed her faith, saying, “When it is convenient for us, You are the Most High; when it is not, You are still the Most High.”
She explained that her renewed strength comes from her faith and the belief that her late son would have wanted her to continue doing what she loved most.
“Today, I rise again—not because the pain is gone—but because I know Ayomikun would want me to. My passion calls, and it’s time for me to return to the screen where I belong,” she said in the video.
Ogunmola extended her appreciation to the Nollywood community, calling on producers, directors, and fellow actors to join her in creating impactful stories once again.
“To all filmmakers, directors, and producers out there, I am back, stronger and wiser. Let’s make magic again,” she said.
Tributes and Support from Nollywood
The announcement of Peju Ogunmola’s return to screen was met with an outpouring of support from several Nollywood stars who have long admired her artistry and resilience.
Actors such as Funsho Adeolu, Foluke Daramola, and Yinka Quadri took to social media to express excitement at her comeback, praising her courage in the face of personal tragedy.
Ogunmola, a respected matriarch in the Yoruba film industry, has been a staple on both stage and screen for decades, carrying on the legacy of her father, one of Nigeria’s pioneer dramatists.
Her versatility and depth of emotion have made her one of Nollywood’s most respected figures.
Colleagues have described her return as a “rebirth” for Yoruba cinema, noting that her presence brings both authenticity and experience to modern productions.
Legacy and Influence in Yoruba Nollywood
Peju Ogunmola’s return to screen comes at a time when the Yoruba Nollywood industry continues to evolve, attracting new talents and embracing digital storytelling.
Her comeback is not only symbolic of personal resilience but also a reminder of the emotional depth that has defined the Yoruba movie tradition for generations.
Known for her strong performances in films such as Aje Metta, Oro Idile, and several stage adaptations, Ogunmola has been instrumental in nurturing younger actors and preserving indigenous storytelling techniques.
Her family, deeply rooted in theatre, includes several entertainers, with her husband, Papi Luwe, and stepson, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, also making their marks in the entertainment industry.
Industry observers say her return will inspire a new wave of productions that reflect real-life struggles, faith, and emotional resilience—themes that resonate deeply with Nigerian audiences.
Healing Through Art
For Peju Ogunmola, returning to acting is more than a career move—it is a step toward healing.
Her journey underscores how art can serve as therapy and a tool for reconnecting with purpose after profound loss.
Fans have flooded her social media pages with words of encouragement, expressing how much they have missed her performances.
Many have also described her resilience as a source of hope for parents dealing with similar grief.
As she steps back into the limelight, Ogunmola represents the unbreakable spirit of the Nigerian creative woman—one who channels pain into purpose and transforms tragedy into strength.
With renewed vigor and a heart full of gratitude, Peju Ogunmola’s return to screen marks not just a personal milestone but a moment of collective celebration for the Yoruba movie industry and her devoted fans worldwide.
