Adunni Ade’s Heart Broken: Nollywood Star Mourns Mother After Long Battle

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Adunni Ade is grieving the loss of her beloved mother, Emily Faye, who passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after a prolonged battle with illness.

The popular Yoruba and English-language star broke the devastating news on Monday in an emotional Instagram post, sharing photographs of her late mother and pouring out her heart in a deeply moving tribute. Beginning with the Islamic declaration “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return), Adunni announced the death with quiet dignity and faith.

“With a heavy heart and submission to the will of Almighty Allah, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, who returned to her Creator on October 18 after a long battle with illness,” she wrote. “She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, sisters, and loved ones, who will forever hold her memory close.”

The actress prayed fervently for her mother’s soul: “Ya Allah, forgive her shortcomings, have mercy upon her, make her grave spacious and filled with light, and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus. Grant us sabr and strength as we navigate this painful loss. Ameen.”

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She ended with a simple, heartfelt farewell: “Mum, I love you. May Allah grant you eternal peace and reunite us in Jannah. Ameen.” Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Emily Faye, Adunni’s German-Irish mother, was a familiar figure to the actress’s fans. Born in Queens, New York, to Emily and a Yoruba Nigerian father from Lagos, Adunni Ade (born Adunni Adewale) spent her early childhood between the United States and Nigeria. She has often spoken of her mother’s strength, describing her in past posts as a “fighter” and a courageous, no-nonsense woman who endured health challenges for years. In 2019, Adunni shared touching hospital-bed photos of her mother, celebrating her resilience while she was still alive. More recently, in late 2025, the family received a touching gesture of support from a US influencer while Emily was unwell.

Adunni, a single mother of two sons (and more recently a daughter), has built a successful career spanning modelling, acting in both Yoruba and English Nollywood films, producing, and screenwriting since her debut in 2013. Her mixed heritage and open discussions about family have long endeared her to audiences.

Condolences have poured in from colleagues, fans and well-wishers across social media as the industry stands with the actress in her time of loss. May the gentle soul of Emily Faye rest in perfect peace.