The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Nollywood actress and renowned body positivity advocate, Monalisa Stephen. The 32-year-old passed away in Lagos on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, after reportedly battling health complications related to low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
Her untimely demise was confirmed by her immediate younger sister and publicly announced by Seun Oloketuyi, Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), in the early hours of Wednesday, May 14.
“Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead,” Oloketuyi posted on Instagram.
“She died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding. Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul.”
While an official autopsy report is still awaited, sources close to the family disclosed that the actress had been managing fluctuating blood sugar levels for some time and reportedly collapsed at her Lagos residence before she was rushed to a private medical facility where she was pronounced dead.
A Bold Voice in Nollywood and Beyond
Monalisa Stephen was more than just an actress — she was a fearless voice in the advocacy for body positivity and mental health awareness in Nigeria. With a loyal fanbase on social media, she broke barriers in a society that often marginalizes plus-sized women. She used her platform to challenge societal beauty norms, promote self-confidence, and stand up against cyberbullying.
Stephen’s work as an actress gained her recognition in Nollywood, particularly in roles where she brought emotional depth and relatability to the screen. However, it was her influence off-screen that endeared her to millions. Her candid social media posts about body image, depression, and bullying sparked both admiration and controversy.
“I want girls to know that it’s okay to be different. You don’t have to fit into what society thinks is ‘perfect’ to be valued or loved,” Monalisa once said in an interview with Guardian Life.
“My journey has not been easy, but I choose every day to love myself, and I hope others can do the same.”
She frequently shared her struggles with health, including how body shaming affected her mental well-being, and how she battled depression in silence. Her honesty made her a relatable figure and a beacon of hope for many young women.
Tributes Pour In for a Brave Trailblazer
Following the news of her death, fans, celebrities, and public figures took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to Monalisa’s life and legacy.
Nollywood actress Uche Jombo wrote:
“Heartbroken beyond words. Monalisa was a bright light in this industry and an unapologetic warrior for self-love. Rest well, queen.”
TV host and actress Nancy Isime also shared her condolences:
“This is such a heavy loss. Monalisa stood for truth, for strength, and for women everywhere who needed someone to say ‘you’re enough.’ May her soul rest in peace.”
Activist and media personality Toke Makinwa tweeted:
“We lost a voice, a sister, a fierce lover of truth. Thank you for inspiring us to embrace ourselves no matter what the world says. Rest in peace, Monalisa.”
A Legacy of Empowerment and Courage
Monalisa Stephen’s advocacy work extended beyond social media. She frequently held seminars, virtual talks, and collaborations with mental health organizations and non-profits focused on women’s health. Her #SelfLoveMatters campaign launched in 2022 became a viral movement encouraging women to embrace their natural selves and stop seeking validation from societal standards.
She also partnered with brands that celebrated size inclusivity and featured in several campaigns that spotlighted plus-size fashion and wellness products.
Despite her rising fame, she remained humble and deeply connected to her roots. She often spoke about her family’s role in keeping her grounded and how growing up in a conservative Nigerian household shaped her identity.
Health Struggles and a Call for Awareness
In recent years, Monalisa opened up about the toll her health had taken on her life. In a 2023 YouTube video that garnered over half a million views, she revealed her private battle with low blood sugar and the mental fatigue that came with constant health management.
“It’s hard when people think you’re just ‘overweight’ and lazy,” she said in the emotional clip.
“But what they don’t see are the sleepless nights, the dizzy spells, the panic attacks, the internal bleeding scares. I’m fighting every day.”
Her death now serves as a wake-up call about the need for increased awareness and support for women dealing with complex health issues, especially in an industry where physical appearance is still disproportionately scrutinized.
Family, Funeral Plans, and Final Words
Monalisa is survived by her mother, two younger siblings, and a close circle of friends who have asked the public for privacy as they grieve this devastating loss.
In a brief statement issued Wednesday afternoon, her family said:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our daughter and sister, Monalisa Ayobami Stephen. She was a force of nature — talented, passionate, and full of love. Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate this very difficult time.”
Details about her funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
As tributes continue to pour in, Monalisa Stephen’s voice — though silenced far too soon — will continue to echo through the lives she touched with her courage, her honesty, and her unshakable belief in the power of self-love.
May her soul rest in peace.
For more tributes and updates on Monalisa Stephen’s funeral plans, follow Africalivenews on all social media platforms.
