Atinuke Kareem dies after battling breast cancer as TAMPAN Ogun State confirms the Nollywood actress’ passing and remembers her fight for treatment.
Nollywood actress Atinuke Kareem has died after a prolonged battle with breast cancer, with the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Ogun State Chapter, confirming her passing on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The announcement has left the Yoruba film industry mourning, coming just eight days after the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died after battling stage-four cancer.
Atinuke Kareem’s Death Confirmed By TAMPAN
TAMPAN Ogun State announced Kareem’s death through its Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa, in a statement shared on his official Instagram page. The statement was signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja.
The association thanked everyone who supported Kareem financially, prayed for her and encouraged her throughout her treatment. “Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call,” the statement said, while asking God to grant her eternal rest and give her family, colleagues and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
TAMPAN also acknowledged the sacrifices made by colleagues, fans and well-wishers who rallied around the actress during her illness.
Kareem Had Appealed For Help During Treatment
Before her death, Kareem had publicly spoken about her health condition and appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance.
In a video shared during her illness, the actress identified herself as a breast cancer patient and explained that her family had already spent heavily on treatment.
She also said TAMPAN had supported her but that the assistance was not enough to meet her medical needs. “I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help,” Kareem said in the video.
The actress further appealed to Nigerians to support her, revealing that she had two young children.
Her plea drew attention from colleagues, fans and members of the public, many of whom offered financial assistance, prayers and encouragement during her treatment.
Atinuke Kareem’s Passing Deepens Yoruba Industry Grief
Kareem’s death has added to a difficult period for the Yoruba movie community. Veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, died on August 23 at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. His death had already triggered widespread mourning across Nollywood and the wider Nigerian entertainment industry.
Kareem’s passing just eight days later has brought another wave of grief to colleagues and followers of Yoruba cinema.
Her death also comes at a time when the issue of medical support for entertainers has received renewed attention, particularly after both Kareem and Ogogo had publicly sought assistance during their respective health battles.
TAMPAN Mourns Nollywood Actress
In its statement, TAMPAN described Kareem’s death as a painful loss and expressed appreciation to those who stood by her during her illness. The association urged members, relatives and fans to accept the development and continue praying for the repose of her soul.
Kareem’s public appeal had also shown the personal and financial pressure her illness placed on her family. Her decision to speak openly about her condition brought her struggle closer to the public, while the support she received reflected the willingness of colleagues and fans to stand by one of their own.
Atinuke Kareem Remembered By Colleagues And Fans
Tributes have continued to emerge following the announcement of Kareem’s death, with members of the Yoruba entertainment community mourning the actress and remembering her contribution to Nollywood.
Her passing has also renewed conversations about the challenges performers face when serious health problems arise, especially for practitioners who do not have the kind of employment benefits available in more formal sectors.
For Kareem’s family, however, the loss is much more personal. She leaves behind two young children, whom she mentioned during her emotional appeal for help.
TAMPAN ended its announcement with prayers for Kareem and her loved ones.
As the Yoruba film industry mourns another member, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem’s final months have become part of a wider story about illness, family, community support and the difficulties entertainers can face when medical treatment becomes a financial burden.
Her death has left colleagues and fans grieving, while her public fight for treatment has ensured that many Nigerians will remember not only the actress she was, but also the difficult battle she faced before her passing.
