Veteran Yoruba film actor and Christian minister Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, has died after a brief illness, marking the end of a career that spanned over two decades in the Yoruba movie industry.
His death was announced on Tuesday by fellow actor Kunle Afod via social media, where he described Adeshina as one of the respected legends of Yoruba cinema.
Afod paid tribute to the late actor’s contributions to the growth of Yoruba filmmaking, noting that his performances left a lasting impact on audiences across generations.
Adeshina was widely known for portraying traditional rulers, village elders, and culturally significant roles that made him a familiar face in Yoruba-language films.
His stage name, Elegbeje Ado, came from one of his most popular screen characters and later became his professional identity.
Beyond acting, he also served as a Christian minister, balancing his pastoral work with his involvement in the entertainment industry.
Colleagues, fans, and industry stakeholders have continued to pay tribute, describing him as a talented performer whose legacy will remain in Yoruba cinema.
His passing adds to the growing list of losses in Nigeria’s film industry, particularly within the Yoruba Nollywood community, where he was regarded as a veteran figure.
