•Daughter demands to see mother’s body
Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya, 42, is dead.
She reportedly died of cardiac arrest in a Canada hospital, yesterday.
She gave birth to a baby girl in Canada, two months ago.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Moji’s 20 year-old daughter, Adun, who, on hearing the news of her mother’s death, insisted on seeing her remains.
Adun, according to reports, is insising that her mother’s remains be brought back for burial in Nigeria.
Although family members comforted and calmed her down, Adun reportedly insisted she wants to see her mother.
“She must be brought back. I don’t care what anybody says; I just want my mother’s body” she insisted.
Director of Public Relations and Media Affairs of the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Association of Nigeria, Yomi Fash-Lanso, confirmed Olaiya’s death in a statement.
Fash-Lanso said: “We are sad to hear about the sudden death of our colleague, friend and sister, Moji Olaiya, whose death occurred few hours ago in Canada, few days after giving birth.
“According to reports that we gathered, we learnt she had heart seizure and couldn’t make it.
“We pray her soul finds eternal rest with her creator and pray to Almighty Allah to give the family she left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement said.
Veteran actor, Yinka Quadri and Moji’s colleagues in Nollywood have expressed shock at the sudden death of popular actress.
In his reaction, Quadri, wondered what was happening to Nollywood, with the spate of deaths that has hit the industry in recent times.
“What is really happening, why are our dearest ones going too soon? It’s so sad to hear Moji Olaiya is no more. May her soul rest in perfect peace. May God be with those she left behind,” he said.
President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Ibeh, prayed God to grant the family of Moji Olaiya the fortitude to bear the loss.
Ibeh said the actress would continue to live on in the memories of her fans because of her contributions to the development of Nollywood.
“In her little way, she contributed to the development of Nollywood and she will be greatly missed by her fans.”
Ibeh urged other thespians in the country to continue to impact positively on the entertainment industry, saying their good works would definitely live on after them.
Also, Founder of Different Aesthetics, Arts and Culture Management, based at the National Theatre, Lagos, Tope Babayemi, condoled with the family of the deceased.
Babayemi said the entertainment industry has lost another bright talent that contributed greatly to the popularity of the local movies.
On his part, actor Femi Branch recalled how the deceased helped him out.
“We were just mere colleagues until the day we had a certain discussion in Sagamu with Aunty Fali Werepe and you rose in my defence.
“I have recounted this tale to more people than I can recall and, in every instance, the mention of your sincere intervention was the highlight of my tale. That day, I knew the good-hearted Olaiya and for as long as I have the gift of memory, Mojisola will remain embedded in my heart. Sleep well `MJ’. May God erect a canopy of protection over your children and the family you left behind.
“Lord, please stay this hand of death moving over our industry and please open our eyes to know that life belongs to you and only you can give it in abundance,” he said.
Also, Funke Adesiyan, an actress, said: “Days like today should not exist. I refuse to believe the news of your untimely demise.
“I still don’t get why good people don’t last. You were a true soul. Beautiful in and out with absolutely no space in your heart to hate or pretend to love. You were so genuine. May Allah rest your soul and give your family the fortitude to bear this loss. It’s a sad day.”
Moji’s death was too much to bear for Chief Executive Officer of Okiki Films, Sunday Esan: “I’m currently in a state of grief and shock.
“Is it true that Moji Olaiya is gone? My good friend is no more? I will miss her personality, talent and humility.”
The late Moji Olaiya was the daughter of highlife musician, Victor Olaiya.
She began her acting career with Wale Adenuga Production (WAP), and starred in the popular family TV drama series, Super Story, where she played the role of Ireti in No Pains, No Gains.
She also starred in other movies such as: Agunbaniro, Sade Blade, Nkan Adun and Omo iya meta leyi.
Olaiya received awards for her diligence in Nigeria and abroad.
She was nominated as the Best Supporting Actress of the Year 2003, for the Reel Award.
Olaiya also won the Best New Actress award and she said then that such awards motivated her to put in her best in any role assigned her during movie productions.