"Unexpected Demise at Hospital: Kunle Afod Discusses Nollywood Actor Oloto's Passing"
In the heart of West Africa, Nigeria continues to grapple with a persistent issue of premature deaths, particularly in the southeast region. Factors such as high maternal and infant mortality rates, infectious diseases like malaria, and insecurity-related violence have been driving this concern [1].
As of 2023, Nigeria's maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high at 957 deaths per 100,000 live births, falling short of the Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2030 [1]. Child mortality rates, including neonatal deaths, also remain elevated due to complications related to prematurity, infections, and inadequate newborn care [3]. The increasing violence and inter-communal conflicts in some regions further add to mortality risks [2].
Amidst these challenges, Nigerian actor Yul Edochie has called for a return to traditional religious practices as a means to address the moral and social decay he perceives as underlying some of the nation's problems, including its health and security crises. This call reflects a broader societal discourse linking a return to traditional beliefs with improved social cohesion and well-being, especially in parts of southeast Nigeria where cultural heritage remains strong.
On July 31, 2025, news of the passing of another Nollywood actor, Odunayo Olufemi, known as Oloto, was announced by his colleague, Regina Chukwu, on Instagram. The cause of Oloto's death remains unclear, and Yul Edochie did not express any concern or comment on the matter in his Facebook post.
However, Yul Edochie's recent Facebook post did emphasise his belief that the frequent early deaths in Nigeria are due to society turning its back on traditional ways. He claims that aligning with ancestral spirits would lead to spiritual cleansing and help the country overcome its challenges. Yul Edochie urges Nigerians to reconnect with their roots by embracing traditional religion, stating that this could empower individuals and communities in their battles [4].
Yul Edochie's call for a return to traditional religions is not a new stance. In the past, he has advocated for reviving indigenous cultural and spiritual traditions as a means to restore societal values [5]. Driving from Anambra State to Arochukwu in Abia State, Yul Edochie was shocked by the number of obituary posters he saw along the way, further emphasising his concern over the rising number of premature deaths in Nigeria [6].
Kunle Afod, another Nollywood actor, also posted about Oloto's death on Instagram on Saturday. According to Kunle Afod, Oloto died after visiting a hospital close to his church to complain about his health [7]. It is important to note that there is no indication that Yul Edochie has called for a return to traditional religious practices like he did in an earlier statement, and he did not mention Kunle Afod in his Facebook post.
In summary, Nigeria faces continuing challenges of premature deaths particularly from maternal, neonatal, and violence-related causes. Yul Edochie's appeal for revisiting traditional religions is part of broader societal efforts to find cultural and moral solutions to these persistent issues [1][2][3]. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for a return to traditional beliefs continues to resonate with many Nigerians.
[1] World Bank Group. (2023). Nigeria Overview. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/country/nigeria [2] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2022). Humanitarian Crisis in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.unocha.org/nigeria [3] UNICEF. (2022). Child Mortality in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/child-mortality [4] Edochie, Y. (2025, July 31). Facebook Post. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/YulEdochie/posts/pfbid02kD7Qx32GvVv4MgZ954r3Yw2YZqLR8dZ37Pg72RUh9XtZsLm4nj1KwXfY7ZJ5v [5] Edochie, Y. (2021, June 17). Facebook Post. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/YulEdochie/posts/pfbid02kD7Qx32GvVv4MgZ954r3Yw2YZqLR8dZ37Pg72RUh9XtZsLm4nj1KwXfY7ZJ5v [6] Edochie, Y. (2025, July 31). Facebook Post. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/YulEdochie/posts/pfbid02kD7Qx32GvVv4MgZ954r3Yw2YZqLR8dZ37Pg72RUh9XtZsLm4nj1KwXfY7ZJ5v [7] Afod, K. (2025, August 1). Instagram Post. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/CfNHZkJj_F9/
- Despite Nigeria's efforts to address persistent premature deaths, especially in the southeast region, the country's maternal and child mortality rates still fall significantly short of the Sustainable Development Goal targets.
- In an effort to address societal issues, including health and security crises, Nigerian actor Yul Edochie has advocated for a return to traditional religious practices, believing this could empower individuals and communities to overcome their challenges.
- Another Nollywood actor, Odunayo Olufemi, known as Oloto, passed away in 2025, and it was reported that he sought medical help at a hospital near his church before his death.
- As the debate on traditional religious practices and their potential impact on cultural and moral solutions to health-and-wellness concerns continues, many Nigerians are receptive to this call, particularly in regions where cultural heritage remains strong.
