A Star Dimmed Too Soon: Tears and Tributes as Monalisa Stephen Is Laid to Rest

The atmosphere was thick with sorrow on Thursday, May 22, 2025, as the Nigerian entertainment industry bid a painful farewell to one of its most vibrant voices, Monalisa Stephen. A beloved actress, social media influencer, and outspoken body positivity advocate, Monalisa’s final journey was met with tears, heartfelt prayers, and a deep sense of collective loss at the Yaba Cemetery in Lagos.

Draped in solemn silence and emotion, the private burial ceremony was attended by close family members, friends, and colleagues from the entertainment world. The grief in the air was palpable as mourners struggled to come to terms with the sudden death of the 33-year-old whose radiant smile and fearless voice had become symbols of strength for many. As her casket was lowered into the earth, sorrow erupted into open sobs from those who had known her not just as a public figure, but as a cherished daughter, friend, and inspiration.

Monalisa Stephen reportedly passed away from complications linked to low blood sugar and an intestinal haemorrhage, according to a close confidante who shared the heartbreaking news on social media. Her death came as a shock to many, not only because of her relatively young age, but because she had appeared active on her platforms just days before. Known for her openness in discussing mental health struggles and societal body shaming, Monalisa had cultivated a loyal fanbase who found solace and strength in her candidness and charisma.

In the wake of her passing, the internet erupted in an outpouring of grief. Hashtags bearing her name trended across platforms as fans and celebrities alike posted tributes in her honour. Actress Toyin Abraham led a chorus of remembrance, describing Monalisa as “a bright soul taken too soon.” Others echoed the sentiment, remembering her as a bold woman who challenged conventions, defied stereotypes, and championed self-love at a time when it was not easy to do so.

Clips from the funeral have since gone viral, with videos capturing intimate moments of mourners in prayer, wiping away tears, and laying flowers beside her grave. One particularly heart-wrenching scene showed Monalisa’s mother breaking down, clutching her daughter’s framed photo to her chest, surrounded by those trying to offer comfort that seemed insufficient in the face of such a deep loss.

Monalisa’s death has also reignited conversations around health awareness, especially in the context of how medical issues like hypoglycemia and internal bleeding are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. While the exact medical details remain closely held by the family, the tragic outcome has raised urgent questions about early detection and access to proper healthcare—topics Monalisa herself had touched on in past interviews.

Beyond her entertainment persona, Monalisa was a warrior for inclusivity. Her body positivity campaigns, often featuring unfiltered photos and blunt truths, sparked important dialogue across Nigeria’s social media landscape. She faced criticism with grace and responded with wisdom, transforming hate into teachable moments. Her courage encouraged countless young women to stand taller, smile wider, and speak louder about their worth.

The timing of her passing—just weeks before a planned tour to speak at several youth empowerment events—adds an extra layer of heartbreak. Monalisa was set to visit secondary schools and universities to speak on mental health, body image, and digital bullying. Those who had worked with her on planning the initiative have expressed their intent to carry the torch forward in her name, turning grief into advocacy.

As the nation mourns her departure, there’s a resounding consensus: Monalisa Stephen’s legacy will not be buried with her. It lives on in the voices she amplified, in the stereotypes she shattered, and in the love she showed to a world that often met her with resistance. She taught an entire generation that beauty is not a dress size, that confidence is not arrogance, and that vulnerability is not weakness.

Her Instagram, now a virtual memorial, has become a digital shrine where fans leave notes of gratitude and heartbreak. “You made me feel beautiful in my own skin,” reads one comment. “I never met you, but you changed my life,” says another. The comments are endless, a testament to how deeply she touched lives far beyond the screen.

As her friends and family navigate the days ahead, there is little doubt that her absence will be felt in every corner of the industry she helped shape. Candlelight vigils are reportedly being organized in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt in her memory, with fans planning to wear outfits inspired by her bold, colourful style as a tribute to her fearless spirit.

Monalisa Stephen’s story may have ended too soon, but her voice remains etched in the hearts of millions. She taught us to love harder, live louder, and never apologise for taking up space. And though her chapter has closed, her narrative continues—in every girl who dares to love herself a little more because Monalisa showed her how.