The Nigerian gospel film industry is in mourning once again following the passing of gospel actress Toluwalope Adegboyega-Alagbe, widely recognised as Flora for her role in the acclaimed movie series Abattoir.
Flora, known for captivating audiences with her performances, reportedly passed away on 4 February 2025 after sustaining injuries from a car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in December.
The news of her passing came as a shock to fans on social media, with many hoping it was untrue.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, son of Mike Bamiloye, the founder of the Mount Zion Faith Drama Ministry, confirmed her passing.
Joshua wrote, “It’s been a few quiet days for me here, still struggling to process the passing of Toluwalope — a fellow drama minister and a light in this world. It’s heartbreaking and difficult to understand, but even in our pain, we continue to trust Him. It was a short run but with lasting impact.”
“My heart goes out to her family. I pray the Lord Himself will comfort them beyond what words can express. May His presence strengthen them in this season of grief,” he added.
Flora’s colleagues in the film industry have started paying tribute, with actor Oluwaseun Adejumobi reflecting on his experience working with her in an Instagram post.
Adejumobi wrote, “Aburo mi, Toluwalope, you fought a good fight, you lived to impact. You were always willing to serve. I have read through your messages again and again—you would always say, ‘Egbon, e pe mi fun location’ (My brother, please invite me for a movie shoot). I remember how you recommended me to your church, and I was invited to minister.”
“Just last November, we were on a movie set together. You were full of life! You wanted to do more! I said I would call you for another production, and you were even ready before the invitation.”
The actor shared that despite being bedridden during her recovery, Flora stayed hopeful, reassuring friends and loved ones that she would soon testify about her survival.
He recalled, “While you were recovering in hospital, you were still full of life and assured us that you would soon give your big testimony of how God rescued you and helped you survive this accident!”
“But you left us… with questions in our hearts. Still, God is God, and He is a just God! We celebrate the life you lived and the impact you made! You represented Christ well! Yes, you were indeed a zealous ambassador! Thank you for being a true friend.”
“This is a painful exit. This is a shock! We take solace in the fact that you have gone to be with your Maker. Goodnight, Sister Tolu. Goodnight, Iya Ibeji. Goodnight, Flora.”
Gospel actress Tomiwa Samson also paid tribute in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
She wrote, “It is a privilege to have shared beautiful moments with you in this life. You have fought your good fight of faith, and you have finished your race! I love and celebrate you now and always, ‘sis mi’, as you fondly called me. Hmm! See you in heaven, our flower. You will always be our flower.”
Flora’s passing comes just months after the death of another notable figure in the Nigerian gospel film industry, Moses Korede Are, widely known as Baba Gbenro in the Abattoir series. He passed away in November 2024 and was laid to rest on 31 January.
