Veteran actress Peju Ogunmola has announced her return to acting, months after the passing of her son, Ayomikun.
The actress, who is one of the respected figures in Yoruba Nollywood, lost her son, Ayomikun, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues across the film industry.
Several Nollywood stars, including Funsho Adeolu, Foluke Daramola, and others, took to social media to commiserate with the actress and her husband, veteran actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram on Saturday with the caption “A new month, a new dawn,” the actress expressed gratitude to her fans, colleagues, and family for their prayers and support during her period of mourning.
“The past months have been heavy, but your love, prayers, and condolences have carried me through the storm. Today I rise, stronger, grateful, and ready to embrace my passion again. The screens have missed me… and I’m back, doing what I love most,” she wrote.
In the video, part of which was rendered in Yoruba, Ogunmola revealed that she had been battling depression since losing her son two months ago but found strength in the love and kindness shown to her from around the world.
“For the past two months since I lost my child, I have been depressed and in sadness. But as I have been sad, the whole world has let me know that they are with me.
“I see all the love you have showered me with. I feel your prayers. Your care is also noticed. Thank you. I am grateful,” she said
Quoting a Christian hymn, she said, “When it is convenient for us, you are the Most High. When it is not, you are still the Most High,” adding that she had accepted her fate and was ready to move forward.
“Today, I rise again, not because the pain is gone, but because I know Ayomikun will want me to. My passion calls, and it is time for me to return to the screen where I belong. To all filmmakers, directors, producers, and my industry colleagues out there, I am back, stronger and wiser. Let’s make magic again,”she said.
Ogunmola, daughter of the late theatre legend Kola Ogunmola, has long been celebrated as one of the pillars of Yoruba Nollywood.
She has featured in several stage and screen productions over the years.
