Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, widely known as Aunty Ajara, has been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Her family confirmed that she passed away in the early hours of Thursday.
Announcing her death in a video message, her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, expressed gratitude to Nigerians and colleagues in the film industry for their support during her period of illness.
“Good morning to you all. My name is Ridwan Lasisi. I am a brother to Ajara. The doctor confirmed to us this morning that Ajara has passed on,” he said.
“We want to take this moment to sincerely thank all the families for their support, as well as the president and members of the industry who stood by us during this difficult time,” the family said, noting that the show of solidarity and goodwill was deeply appreciated.
They also appealed to members of the public who had been sending financial contributions to discontinue further payments, since Ajara had now passed on.
In the days leading to her death, her health struggles had sparked public appeals for financial help from colleagues.
Footage from the burial showed clerics leading prayers as relatives and sympathisers gathered to pay their final respects. Emotions ran high as mourners offered prayers for the late actress.
Following Islamic tradition, she was wrapped in white fabric, covered with a mat and then lowered into the grave prepared for her.