The Nigerian gospel film industry is mourning the death of actor and drama minister Oluwasegun Oyeyemi, whose performances in Mount Zion Faith Ministries productions inspired audiences across Africa.
Oyeyemi’s family confirmed his passing and announced burial arrangements that include a service of songs before his final send-off.
The news has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans and Christian organisations that admired his commitment to using drama as a tool for spreading messages of faith and hope.
According to the family, a service of songs was scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at New Covenant Church in Akobo, Ibadan. His burial is set to take place the following day at the Garden of Saints Cemetery, with mourners requested to wear white as they celebrate his life.
Oyeyemi built a strong following through his appearances in several productions by Mount Zion Faith Ministries, one of Nigeria’s most recognised Christian film ministries. His calm screen presence and ability to portray emotional roles earned him respect among viewers who followed gospel movies over the years.
His death has come at a particularly painful time for fans of the popular Abattoir series, which has lost several cast members in a relatively short period.
In February 2025, actress Toluwalope Adegboyega, who played Flora in the series, died from complications linked to injuries she sustained in a tragic road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in December 2024. The crash also claimed the life of one of her young twin daughters, leaving colleagues and supporters devastated.
Before that, actor Moses Korede Are, popularly known as Baba Gbenro, passed away in 2024 after battling liver disease. The successive losses have left many describing the gospel entertainment industry as one that has endured repeated heartbreak.
Within just over two years, three familiar faces associated with Abattoir are now gone, a reality that has deeply saddened fellow actors, filmmakers and audiences who grew up watching their productions.
The Bowen University Alumni Association also paid tribute to Oyeyemi, describing him as a committed drama minister whose life touched countless people through his ministry and creative work.
Social media platforms quickly filled with emotional messages after news of his death emerged. Many fans prayed for strength for his family while thanking him for the impact he made through faith-based films.
One mourner wrote that his soul should rest in peace, while another remarked that people were leaving too soon and prayed for God’s mercy. Others encouraged the bereaved family to remain strong during the difficult period.
Although his acting career may have ended, admirers say Oluwasegun Oyeyemi leaves behind a lasting legacy through the stories he helped bring to life on screen. His work continues to inspire many believers who viewed his performances as more than entertainment, but as ministry with a purpose.