The Nigerian entertainment industry continues to grapple with profound grief following the tragic passing of Ayomikun Oluwanisola Omobolanle, the 24-year-old only son of veteran Yoruba actress Peju Ogunmola, as his music record label breaks its silence with a heartfelt announcement of a candlelight procession in his honor.
Ayomikun, an aspiring musician known artistically as “Ayomeekun,” succumbed to a brief illness on September 1, 2025, leaving behind a grieving family, fans, and a burgeoning music career. The young artist’s record label, where he was signed as an up-and-coming talent, issued a poignant statement on social media today, expressing deep sorrow and calling for prayers during this difficult time. The label emphasized the need for privacy for Peju Ogunmola, her husband – comic actor Sunday Omobolanle (Papi Luwe) – and their loved ones as they navigate the unimaginable loss.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our brother and artist, Oluwanisola Omobolanle aka Ayomikun, who left us after a brief illness,” the label’s post read. “We kindly ask for your prayers and respect for the privacy of his family and loved ones as they navigate this painful time. In his honor, a candlelight procession will be held on Thursday, September 4, at Ring Road, Ibadan, starting at 6:30 p.m.”
The announcement comes amid an outpouring of tributes from across Nollywood, where Ayomikun’s death has been described as a “devastating and heartbreaking” blow. Colleagues including Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, and Toyin Abraham have shared emotional messages on social media, with Adebayo noting, “Life has written a line too heavy for the stage… Today, we mourn with our dear elder, a thespian whose heart now carries the weight no mother should bear.” On Wednesday, September 3, a group of stars, including Dele Odule, Ronke Odunsanya, Fausat Balogun, Bimbo Oshin, and Olaiya Igwe, visited the family’s residence in Ibadan to offer condolences in person, showcasing the tight-knit solidarity of the Yoruba movie community.
Peju Ogunmola, 59, a celebrated figure in Yoruba cinema and daughter of the late legendary playwright Kola Ogunmola, has been portrayed in recent reports as “completely shattered” by the loss. Ayomikun, her only biological child with Papi Luwe, was remembered fondly in a 2024 birthday post by his mother, where she called him her “amazing son” and “baby boy,” a message that has since resurfaced and drawn widespread sympathy from fans. While some initial reports speculated on a bathroom accident abroad as the cause of death, the family’s official stance through the label points to a brief illness, urging respect for their privacy amid conflicting details.
Fans have flooded social media with reactions, many expressing disbelief and calling for divine comfort. “I still can’t believe my ears… Ayo just reply to this post and say it’s a lie,” one user commented on the label’s post, while another added, “You looked out for me and loved me genuinely… I love you till life ends.” The candlelight event at Ring Road is expected to draw music enthusiasts, Nollywood figures, and supporters eager to celebrate Ayomikun’s life and musical legacy, which included promising tracks that highlighted his passion for the arts.
As the procession unfolds this evening, the entertainment world stands in unity, honoring a young star gone too soon and supporting a family through their darkest hour. Funeral arrangements are yet to be fully announced, but the label’s initiative serves as a poignant first step in commemorating Ayomikun’s memory. May his soul rest in peace.