Moji Afolayan: How My Dad Ade Love Died in 1996
Nollywood actress and producer Moji Afolayan has opened up about the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of her legendary father, Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love, who passed away in 1996. In a heartfelt reflection, Moji revealed emotional details of her father’s final moments and the profound impact his passing had on the family and the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking in a recent interview, the actress recalled that Ade Love had been unwell for some time but remained strong-willed and passionate about his craft until his last breath. According to her, his death came as a major blow to the family, especially because he was not only a father but also a mentor and inspiration to many in the entertainment space.
Moji described Ade Love as a visionary filmmaker whose influence shaped the careers of several actors and directors, including her siblings Kunle Afolayan and Gabriel Afolayan, both of whom have since carried on his legacy with distinction.
“Daddy was sick, but he never allowed his illness to weigh him down. He was determined to finish his film projects. Sadly, he didn’t make it past 1996. His death hit us hard because he was the pillar of our family and a trailblazer in the movie industry,” she said.
Moji Afolayan praised her father for instilling discipline, resilience, and a deep love for Yoruba culture and storytelling, values she says continue to guide her career to this day. Ade Love was known for classics like Ajani Ogun and Kadara, and is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in Yoruba cinema.
His death in 1996 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through his children and the countless lives he influenced. Moji’s touching account serves as a reminder of Ade Love’s enduring contributions to Nigerian film and the personal sacrifices behind the fame and glamour of cinema.
Over two decades later, the Afolayan name continues to dominate Nollywood, and fans still celebrate Ade Love as a pioneer who laid the groundwork for the success stories being written today.
