It has been 21 years since the demise of Funmi Oguntomi, more widely recognized as Funmi Martins. The sands of time have embraced her, as she descended into the mysteries of the ground, wrestling fiercely with the Grim Reaper and succumbing to profound injuries.
The renowned Nollywood actress bid farewell to everything dear, including her two-month-old son. Funmi Martins, along with my late mother, who passed away in 2000, wouldn’t have embarked on the journey to the afterlife if tears possessed the ability to resurrect the departed.
In his book “The Last Vampire,” renowned American writer Christopher Pike, known for his supernatural horror fiction, proclaimed that “death never comes at the right time, despite what mortals believe.” Indeed, death, like a thief, strikes unpredictably. Pike’s words rang true as the grim reaper intruded into her life, snatching her away from her child and a devoted audience enamored by her unparalleled performing skills. In a time when she had much to contribute both as a public figure and mother, the well-known actress departed from this life.
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The passing of Funmi Martins brought profound grief to many Nigerians, especially those in the film industry. Starting her professional acting career in the early 1990s, Funmi seamlessly worked in both Yoruba and English films, earning universal admiration and affection. She stood out as one of the rare actresses who exhibited professionalism and perfection in both language genres. Her colleagues remember her as a kind, generous, cheerful, and compassionate woman who dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her craft.
The zenith of Funmi Martins’s career coincided with her untimely demise, marking a career that spanned only ten years—years filled with challenges, hard work, troubles, and suffering. As a mother of three, she dedicated herself to her craft, performing at her best alongside her peers. Unfortunately, she did not reap the rewards of her labor like some others. She departed this world at a point when she was already well-established and anticipated to capitalize on her fame.
Funmi Martins not only succumbed to the grim reaper, but her numerous admirers were also robbed of the chance to witness their idol in action when she departed for Hades in August. Funmi’s essence went beyond mere existence, and although she didn’t endure long enough to grace our television screens, her charming personality endeared her to everyone.
EARLY LIFE
In September 1963, Funmi Oguntomi, better known as “Funmi Martins,” was born. She was born in Osun State’s historic town of Ilesa. Her early years were spent in Ibadan and Lagos, respectively.
EDUCATION
Funmi Oguntomi went to the Oke-Ona Primary School in Ogun State’s capital, Abeokuta. She also went to Abeokuta’s Oke-Ona Grammar School. She graduated from the Beepo Secretarial Institute with a diploma in secretarial studies.
CAREER
Funmi Oguntomi, better known as Funmi Martins, worked as a secretary and model before breaking into the film business, according to research by WITHIN NIGERIA. The late Funmi was a passionate actor and filmmaker who was willing to go above and beyond to fulfill her life’s ambition of making great films.
The late Funmi starred in her first film, Nemesis, in 1993 as she worked toward her life’s goal. Fidelis Duker directed the motion picture. She had appeared in several films and outperformed expectations in less than ten years. Among Funmi’s many well-known pieces are Eto Mi, Pelumi, Ija Omode, and Eru Eleru. This writer discovered that veteran actor Adebayo Salami, better known as Oga Bello, provided mentoring for the first Yoruba film credited to Funmi Martins.
MARITAL LIFE
The results revealed very little about her married life. Regarding her first marriage, in particular the father of her first two children, nothing was known. But according to some, the late Funmi Martins was actually lover of Sir Shina Peters, a well-known Afro-Juju singer. Akanbi Ayomipo Peters was the last child she had, born just two months before she passed away.
There are unsubstantiated rumors that Sir Shina Peters attended the naming ceremony and provided entertainment for the attendees with his band. Additionally, it was reported that Funmi, along with her three children, changed her name to Funmi Peters at the event.
According to some reports, the late Funmi allegedly moved from her previous home at 308 Agege Motor Road, Challenge Bus-Stop in Mushin to Iju-Ishaga, which is where her lover Shina Peters resides.
Late Funmi Martins is the mother of popular actress, Mide Funmi-Martins Abiodun.
DEATH
The actress set out on her voyage to the unknown on May 5, 2002. According to reports, she began experiencing dizziness prior to being transported to Osuntuyi Medical Hospital in Iju. At one point, her condition stabilized and she reportedly got better.
Sadly, she gave up the ghost. Funmi Martins was pronounced deceased on May 6, 2002. Medical reports state that her rheumatic heart disease caused cardiac arrest, which resulted in her unexpected death.