Tragedy in Nollywood: Remembering Olaoluwa Dare Lawal, a Rising Creative Force who accidentally slipped into a deep part of the river.

accidentally slipped into a deep part of the river. The Nigerian movie industry has been struck by yet another painful loss. Olaoluwa Dare Lawal. A young, vibrant creative known for his work as an art director, set designer, and visual artist has tragically passed away in the line of duty.

Lawal, who had owned a creative venture, Beyond Culture, Textile & Art, was working on a film set in the Simawa area of Ogun State, a quiet community just outside Lagos, when he lost his life. He was serving as the Props and Set Designer for the production.

During a river scene shoot late at night, tragedy struck. According to eyewitness accounts, Lawal accidentally slipped into a deep part of the river.

Though a few of his colleagues who knew how to swim rushed to save him, the depth and darkness of the water made their efforts impossible.

Professional divers were later called in and searched through the night. After several days of agonizing uncertainty, his body was discovered floating in the river. He has since been recovered and taken to the morgue.

Lawal's death has sent shockwaves through his community and the industry. A close friend of the late artist, Kola Williams took to his social media, expressing both grief and frustration. Williams accused the film’s producer and director of gross negligence, particularly for taking cast and crew to such a hazardous location reportedly 30 meters deep at 9 p.m. for a night shoot.

According to his posts, the production team allegedly discouraged crew members from calling for help immediately after the incident. Even more disturbing, as of June 5, 2025, several days after the tragedy, the production company has yet to issue any official statement regarding Lawal’s death.

“How can you invite an Art Director on your set, someone who just finished setting up for you and after he falls into a 30-meter-deep river, you tell others not to call anyone?” the friend posted on Facebook.

The silence and perceived lack of accountability from the production company have ignited anger and heartbreak among colleagues, friends, and fellow creatives.

As we mourn Olaoluwa Dare Lawal, we must also raise critical questions about safety standards and responsibilities on Nigerian film sets. How many more promising talents must be lost before urgent reforms are implemented?

Lawal was more than a crew member he was a visionary, a hardworking artist with a future full of potential. His life deserves to be honored not only in words, but through action that ensures no such tragedy ever repeats.

May his soul rest in peace.

Source: Zebra News Online

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