The Nigerian movie industry has suffered a large blow since the year 2024 began with the death of some of its most cherished treasures, and saying goodbye to them has been hard.
It is often said that Death is one phenomenon that is hard to understand and even harder to accept, but despite this, it remains finite.
These fallen celebrities brought light to our screens and joy to our hearts and now, we sadly have to say goodbye.
Here are a list of Nigerian celebrities who died in the first half of 2024.
1. Olofa Ina
Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4. He died at the age of 73.
According to reports, the thespian died of cancer in Lagos State.
2. Ethel Aderemi-Ekpe
Actress and media personality Ethel Aderemi-Ekpe was fondly known for her role as Segi in the show Basi and Company, a sitcom that ran on NTA. She sadly died on February 7, 2024, after battling cancer. Her passing was announced by Shaibu Husseini, the executive director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
3. Sisi Quadri
Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri died on March 1, at the age of 44.
Oyebamiji celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023.
His death was announced by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.
Announcing his death, Nollywood actress, Abiola Bayo wrote on her verified Instagram handle, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”
4. John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu
Beloved comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, sadly died at age 62 on March 2, 2024, after suffering from a cardiac arrest. The actor passed away while at the Evercare Hospital in Lagos. Before his death, Mr Ibu underwent two amputations on one of his legs after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries in total to save his life.
5. Ikechukwu Nnandi, aka Andy Best
Nollywood producer Andy Best was said to have battled a prolonged ailment and was confirmed dead at a private clinic in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on March 19, 2024. The news was confirmed by the convener of the Best of Nollywood Awards (BON), Seun Oloketuyi, on March 19, 2024.
6. Amaechi Muonagor
Just a few days after losing one of its movie producers to the pang of death, the Nigerian movie industry lost yet another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, to the cold hands of death.
Muonagor died on Sunday, March 24, after battling kidney disease for a long time.
This came a few days after a viral video in which he solicited financial assistance from Nigerians to enable him to travel abroad for a kidney transplant.
Muonagor appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw. It is one of his most famous roles, where he played the father of two mischief-making, exuberant teenagers.
7. Aderounmu Adejumoke
The Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, died on Sunday, March 7.
Adeola Aderounmu, the brother of the actress, announced her passing through his Instagram story on Sunday.
Aderounmu started her professional acting career in the movie “Arugba,” produced by Tunde Kelani in 2008, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila.
8. Zulu Adigwu
Veteran actor Zulu Adigwu died on Tuesday, April 23. His death was announced on Facebook by popular film producer and singer, Mike Nliam.
9. John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo popularly known as Junior Pope, born May 7, 1981 died on April 10, 2024 on a boat accident. He appeared in various Nollywood films, including Secret Adventures (2007), Bitter Generation (2010), and Nkoli Nwa Nsukka just to mention a few.
10. Dayo Adewunmi
The Veteran actor popularly known as Sule Suebebe died after being bedridden for months. He was reported dead in the early hours of Wednesday June 12 at an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
11. Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Ikwuegbu died on Sunday June 16, 2024.
The news of her death was made known by movie producer, Stanley Nwoko via Instagram.
It was reported that Mrs. Stella Ikwuegbu had died after a short battle with leg cancer.
She is survived by husband, children and grandchildren.
