Entertainment
Eulogies, Encomiums As Prolific Filmmaker, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Bows Out
An outpouring of eulogies has been trailing the news of the death of Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who was confirmed dead by her family on Tuesday.
In a statement announcing her death, Anyiam-Osigwe’s family described her as a trailblazer who left indelible imprints on the sands of time.
“Peace, the Ada of the Anyiam-Osigwe family, was an outstanding personality, trailblazer, titan, pathfinder, go-getter, humanitarian, one-of-a-kind creative and visionary leader in the film and television industry. Peace left indelible imprints on the sands of time,” the statement said.
Until her death, Anyiam-Osigwe was the founder of the African Movie Academy Awards and the President of the Association of Movie Producers.
She was said to have been in a coma when she passed on in a private hospital in Lagos State.
However, after the news of her death became public knowledge, it threw movie and entertainment practitioners into mourning and attracted a flurry of eulogies from top dignitaries who condoled her family.
Notably among the dignitaries who reacted to the sad development included the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential flag bearer, Akitu Abubakar, who described Anyiam-Osigwe as a pillar in the Nigerian entertainment industry in a post on Facebook.
“Her death is a big blow to Nigeria and, most notably, the entertainment industry as a whole. May God continue to comfort her family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry, and may He grant her soul eternal rest,” the post read in part.
Also reacting, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said Anyiam-Osigwe’s lifetime had been impactful in the filmmaking industry.
The statement said in part, “On behalf of my family, the government, and good people of Lagos State, I sympathise with the Association of Movie Producers and the entire Nollywood industry on the demise of the renowned filmmaker and Founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
“The late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is one of the pillars of Nollywood in Nigeria. She was a bundle of talent and one of the best filmmakers not only in Nigeria but also on the African continent. She used her God-given talent to advance the course of mankind and contributed immensely to the creative sector through African Movie Academy Awards and African Film Academy.”
Lawyer-turned-filmmaker, Obi Emelonye, while also reacting, shared a picture of the late filmmaker on his Instagram page, @obiemelonye, and wrote, “Thank you and good night dada Peace.”
Also, sensational artiste, Peter Okoye, aka Mr P, in an Instagram post, using his handle, @peterpsquare, said the duo of P-Square were devastated to learn about the passing of Anyiam-Osigwe, who was described as an Amazon.
“Madam Peace, as we fondly call her, beyond being one of Nollywood’s biggest advocates and promoters globally, played an instrumental role in our career. For which we remain grateful. The history of P-SQUARE cannot be written without a mention of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Anyiam-Osigwe family, AMAA, the African Film industry, AMP, and the various charities she was a part of. You do not bear this great loss alone, we are with you,” the post read in part.
The Punch
Renowned Nigerian musician and live-band leader, Akinloye Tofowomo, popularly known as Akin Shuga, is dead.
The celebrated performer and founder of Shuga Band died on October 30, 2025, in New Brunswick, Canada, at the age of 50.
His family, in a statement on Monday, described him as a “revered music icon, grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”
The statement added, “Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.
“Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art.
“As the family comes to terms with this immeasurable loss, we humbly request privacy and quiet reflection at this deeply difficult time. We wish for the space to find closure and to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories.
“Further details, including dates and arrangements for memorial observances, will be communicated in due course.
“We extend heartfelt appreciation to all who have reached out with prayers, tributes, and kind words. Akinloye Tofowomo’s legacy, through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment, will continue to live on.”
Born on January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Akiin Shuga’s life was defined by resilience, passion, and purpose.
Stricken by polio at the age of five, he defied physical challenges to become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished live-band performers and music entrepreneurs. His story mirrored Nigeria’s own revival of live music as an essential part of its cultural identity.
In 1998, he founded the Shuga Band, which began performing at Pintos in Ikeja, Lagos. Over the years, the band grew into a 14-member ensemble known for its electrifying performances at weddings, corporate events, and state functions.
His company, Shuga Entertainment, became a model for professionalism and excellence in live performance, combining artistry with discipline.
Akiin Shuga also served as the founder and president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria, where he worked to elevate standards within the live-music industry and promote fair treatment for musicians.
Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.
In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.
His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.
D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.
Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.
For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.
He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an alleged order by a Magistrate Court in Kano State reportedly directing two social media content creators, Idris Mai Wushirya and Basira Yar Guda, to marry each other within 60 days.
The court directive reportedly followed a case against the duo over the circulation of a video deemed “indecent” by state authorities.
The content, which went viral on TikTok and other platforms, featured affectionate scenes between the two influencers.
The Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board claimed the video violated public morality and religious codes governing conduct in the state.
Magistrate Halima Wali reportedly handed down the marriage directive on Monday after arraigning the pair on charges relating to the production and distribution of obscene content online.
Reacting to the development, NBA President Afam Osigwe described the court order as a “grave misunderstanding of the limits of judicial authority under the Nigerian Constitution and constitutes an affront to the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned.”
Osigwe noted that no court has the power to compel any person to marry another person or two persons to mandatorily marry, adding: “It is indeed unconstitutional and therefore unlawful for any court to purport to have power to make such an order.”
He added that such an order would constitute a violation of several fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Marriage, by its very nature, is a voluntary union between consenting adults. It cannot, under any circumstance, be imposed as a form of punishment, moral correction, or judicial remedy.
“No court in Nigeria possesses the constitutional authority to compel two persons to marry, and any attempt to do so violates the rights to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, and privacy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
The alleged order, according to the NBA president, is an example of judicial overreach that not only infringes on personal freedoms but also could undermine public trust in the legal system.
“The courts must remain the bastion of justice and protectors of constitutional rights, not instruments for enforcing social conformity or moral compulsion,” Osigwe added.
The NBA then called for an immediate review of this decision by Magistrate Halima Wali and urged the relevant judicial authorities to take steps to prevent a recurrence of such unconstitutional orders.
It also directed the NBA Citizens’ Liberties Committee and Women’s Forum to monitor the situation to ensure that the rule of law prevails.
