Mourning as Rotimi Raji Passes Away, Details of His Final Moments

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of celebrated movie director Rotimi Raji, widely known as "Genius." A highly creative filmmaker with an impressive body of work, Raji’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves through Nollywood.

Raji reportedly passed away on February 15, 2025, at his residence in Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos. According to reports, the filmmaker, who lived alone, slumped in his bathroom and died. His death was discovered when a concerned neighbor, noticing his absence, attempted to check on him.

After calling his name several times with no response, the neighbor observed that one of his windows was open. Looking inside, he saw Raji lying motionless on the bathroom floor. Alarmed, he knocked repeatedly on the door, still getting no answer. Eventually, with the help of others, the door was forced open, confirming their worst fears—Rotimi Raji had passed away.

His body was immediately taken to the mortuary, with his family reportedly now planning a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Rotimi Raji was known for his remarkable storytelling, creativity, and ability to bring unique visions to life on the big screen. He made a name for himself with films such as: "Bachelor's Eve" (2018), "Truth or Die" (2016), and "Abeke" (2020).

Over the years, he built a reputation as one of Nollywood's most promising directors, blending traditional Nigerian storytelling with modern cinematic techniques. His passing is a devastating blow to the industry, colleagues, and fans who admired his work.

Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from Nollywood actors, directors, and fans who are struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss.

Fellow filmmaker Tunde Dickson confirmed the incident, while actors such as Adeniyi Johnson, Kiitan Bukola, and Regina Chukwu have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness.

Fans, too, have shared heartfelt messages online, reminiscing about Raji's impact on Nollywood and expressing condolences to his family. Many have also called for more recognition and appreciation of directors and filmmakers who often work behind the scenes to shape the industry.

Beyond the grief, Raji’s passing is part of a broader conversation about the welfare of Nollywood practitioners, especially those who live alone. Concerns have been raised about health check-ups, mental wellness, and a stronger support network for filmmakers and actors.

Many are advocating for an industry-wide initiative where creatives regularly check on one another, ensuring that tragic deaths like this can be prevented. The need for better access to healthcare for Nollywood professionals has also been emphasized in discussions

Rotimi Raji's influence on Nollywood will never be forgotten. His passion, dedication, and exceptional storytelling have left a lasting mark on the industry. His contributions to the Nigerian film industry will forever be celebrated.

May his soul rest in peace.

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