Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami has spoken out for the first time following the shocking death of his colleague and close friend, Allwell Ademola.
Reports earlier revealed that the actress passed away at age 43 after suffering a heart attack at her residence before being rushed to the hospital. Since the news broke, tributes and condolences have continued to pour in from colleagues and fans across the Nigerian film industry.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Rotimi expressed the depth of his pain, revealing that it has been “72 hours of endless tears” since her passing. He appreciated the overwhelming support he has received through calls, messages and voice notes but admitted that he currently lacks the strength to respond.
He wrote:
“72 hours of endless tears still can’t bring back my Shuga boo. To everyone who has genuinely reached out to me with love and concern for my state of mind and well-being through countless calls, messages and voice notes. I see them all. I truly do. I’m just too weak right now to read, listen, respond, or even find the words to express how I really feel.”
Rotimi added that although all is far from well at the moment, he is determined to remain strong — especially for his family, fans and Allwell’s memory.
“For the sake of our family, friends, the fans who have shown up in prayers, posts, calls and overwhelming love and most especially for my children, who will draw strength from me as we learn to move on without our Shuga Boo, our Ibiayo, our Eniobanke, our Allwell Ademola… I promise to stand strong.”
He ended by pleading with the public not to console him when they see him physically, saying he is still struggling to accept the reality.
“Please, when you see me, don’t try to console me because I will break down. I still can’t say farewell. Shuga boo.”