Actress Eniola Ajao has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Funmi Martins, mother of fellow actress Mide Martins.
Eniola shared a picture of the deceased on Instagram on Thursday, accompanied by a note that celebrated her beauty and achievements in the Yoruba movie industry.
She wrote, “The street remembers! God… this woman is beautiful. Even though one aunty we all know took part of her beauty, it still doesn’t tell the full story. This woman’s smile could light up your world in split seconds. Her name? Funmi Martins!
“Beyond beauty, she was a phenomenal actress—soft-spoken, and those who knew her describe her as a peaceful soul. The street will never forget you, ma.
“Do you remember her? Did you watch her in her prime? What comes to your mind when you think about her? For me, it’s her serenity, calm like the morning water.
“Thankfully, God left us with her carbon copy, though with a touch of ‘small ogbaaa’ here and there (please don’t tag her😂). If you remember this beautiful woman, tell me something about her.”
The post has prompted a flood of reactions from fans and celebrities.
Bimbo Ademoye commented, “Oh! She was sooooo stunning. Watching her on screen back then—Beauty! God bless her soul.”
Ayo Olaiya wrote, “May God bless you more for posting this.”
Oluwaseun Sam reminisced, “I remember her in Abere Alhaja, so cool and calm.”
Bimbo Adebayo added, “Keep resting, mamamia.”
Funmi Martins was a significant presence in the Yoruba film industry during the 1990s.
Born in September 1963 in Ilesa, Osun State as Funmi Oguntomi, she spent her formative years in Lagos and Ibadan.
Before making her mark in acting, Funmi briefly ventured into modeling.
Her acting career began in earnest in 1993 when she starred in her first film, Nemesis, directed by Fidelis Duker.
During her relatively short career, Funmi Martins featured in numerous notable movies, including Eto Mi, Pelumi, Ija Omode, and Eru Eleru.
Her life was tragically cut short when she passed away from cardiac arrest on May 6, 2002, at the age of 38.
