Veteran Nollywood actress Peju Ogunmola has formally announced her return to the screen, several months after the unfortunate demise of her son, Ayomikun.
According to a report by PUNCH Online, the respected Yoruba film icon had withdrawn from public engagements following her son’s death, which drew widespread sympathy and condolences from colleagues and fans across the entertainment industry.
Notable Nollywood actors, including Funsho Adeolu and Foluke Daramola, were among those who took to social media to commiserate with Ogunmola and her husband, veteran actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe.
In an emotional video shared via her official Instagram page on Saturday, captioned “A new month, a new dawn,” Ogunmola expressed profound gratitude to her fans, colleagues, and family members for their prayers, compassion, and support during her period of mourning.
She stated:
“The past months have been heavy, but your love, prayers, and condolences have carried me through the storm. Today I rise, stronger, grateful, and ready to embrace my passion again. The screens have missed me… and I’m back, doing what I love most.”
Speaking partly in Yoruba, the actress disclosed that she had battled depression since losing her son two months earlier but found renewed strength through the overwhelming outpouring of love from around the world.
“For the past two months since I lost my child, I have been depressed and in sadness. But as I have been sad, the whole world has let me know that they are with me. I see all the love you have showered me with. I feel your prayers. Your care is also noticed. Thank you. I am grateful,” she said.
Quoting a Christian hymn, Ogunmola reflected on her faith and acceptance of divine will, affirming her resolve to move forward:
“When it is convenient for us, You are the Most High. When it is not, You are still the Most High.”
She further added:
“Today, I rise again, not because the pain is gone, but because I know Ayomikun would want me to. My passion calls, and it is time for me to return to the screen where I belong. To all filmmakers, directors, producers, and my industry colleagues out there — I am back, stronger and wiser. Let’s make magic again.”
Peju Ogunmola, daughter of the late theater icon Kola Ogunmola, is widely regarded as one of the pillars of Yoruba Nollywood and has featured prominently in numerous stage and screen productions throughout her distinguished career.#newsafro_
