According to a report by GhanaWeb on Thursday, 15th May, 2025, Nigerian actress and social media influencer, Monalisa Stephen, has sadly passed away in Lagos. Reports say she died after dealing with serious health issues related to low blood sugar and internal bleeding.
The sad news was announced on Wednesday by Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of the Best of Nollywood awards. In a touching post on Instagram, he wrote, “Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead. She died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding.” He also mentioned that Monalisa’s younger sister had confirmed the news.
Monalisa Stephen, who was also known by the nickname “Gabacci,” was more than just an actress. She was well-known for speaking up about body positivity. She often encouraged plus-size women to love themselves and feel confident in their bodies. Her powerful messages touched many people and made her a strong voice in the body confidence movement in Nigeria and beyond.
Apart from her online presence, Monalisa starred in popular movies such as Breaded Life (2021) and Mami Wata (2023). She also featured in many comedy skits and used her social media platforms to connect with fans and inspire them with her bold and outspoken personality.
Her death has shocked many of her followers. On social media, people are expressing their sadness and sharing stories of how Monalisa helped them feel good about themselves. Fans are saying goodbye to someone they saw as a role model, a cheerful spirit, and a true influencer who encouraged people to live with courage and love their bodies no matter what size they were.
Monalisa Stephen’s passing is a big loss to the entertainment industry and to everyone who admired her strength and voice.
Here are some reactions from Ghanaians
