Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Aderounmu of Jenifa’s Diary dies at 40

Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as “Esther” in Funke Akindele’s popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, is dead.

In a report by Nigeria’s Punch, it mentioned that Aderounmu’s death was confirmed by her brother, Adeola Aderounmu, in a cryptic post on Instagram captioned, “You are in a better place now, my sister,” with Aderounmu’s obituary photo.

Also, a friend of the deceased cousin, Oluwabanke Funmi, in a post on Twitter, captioned, “Rest in peace Aderounmu Adejumoke.”

“Waited hours for her cousin to delete her post and say it was a prank or a mistake but…,” she wrote.

The actress, born on March 26, 1984, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in a private hospital on Saturday.

The cause of her death was yet to be made public as of the time of filing this report.

However, a funeral service has since been held for Aderounmu Adejumoke at Owu Baptist Church, Totoro area of Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Another obituary graphic trending on social media, which reportedly emanated from the family, read, “In the profound depths of grief and sorrow, we share the heartbreaking passing of our sister, daughter, aunt, Aderounmu Adejumoke Oreoluwa.”

Aderounmu’s acting career began in Abeokuta, her hometown, where she was born into a family of five. After completing her education, she ventured into acting professionally, making waves for herself in the industry.

Her breakthrough role came in 2016 when she was cast as Esther in “Jenifa’s Diary,” a role that endeared her to fans and critics alike. Adejumoke’s portrayal of the feisty and determined Esther showcased her versatility as an actress, earning her widespread acclaim and a place in viewers’ hearts.

Throughout her career, Aderounmu graced the screen in over ten movies, both in English and Yoruba, demonstrating her range and dedication to her craft. She was not just an actress but also an on-air personality, a producer, and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Her impact on Nollywood was undeniable as she continued to take on challenging roles that showcased her talent.

From her early days as Yejide in “Dazzling Mirage” to her memorable performances in “Industreet” and “Alakada 2,” Adejumoke’s legacy is one of passion, talent, and an unwavering commitment to her art.