Since the beginning of the year, the Nigeria movie industry, Nollywood has been hit with spates of death of prominent actors.
Veteran actors such as Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor and Junior Pope are the latest.
The movie industry, over the years, has lost numerous veteran actors and promising talents.
The death of some these actors has thrown various Nigerians and Nollywood lovers into tears and has raised a lot of rhetorical questions as some of these deaths could have been avoided.
As part of tributes to the late actors, it is imperative to reflect upon the invaluable contributions they made to the film industry in Nigeria.
Here are the list of the actors:
Olofa Ina
The Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4 at the age of 73.
Ethel Ekpe
Veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe, who adorned the Nigerian entertainment screen for years, died on Wednesday, February 7, in Lagos State.Ekpe is well known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’.
She died after a long battle with cancer.
Sisi Quadri
Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri died on March 1, at the age of 44.
He was a prominent face in the movie:Anikulapo
Sisi 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.”
Mr. Ibu
A day after Sisi Quadri’s demise, the news of the passing of comedic legendary actor, John Okafor, popular as Mr Ibu broke out.
The actor, renowned for his comedic roles, died at the age of 62 after going through leg amputation. His death plunged fans and colleagues into mourning.
Nigerians acknowledge Mr. Ibu for his talent and unwavering strength amidst personal health challenges.
His contribution to Nollywood’s quintessential comedic figures is destined to endure as an individual.
He wields large influence over the nation’s cultural and entertainment space.
Amaechi Muonagor
Three weeks after losing one of its comic actors to the cold hands of death, the Nigerian movie industry lost yet another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor.
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, troublesome teenagers.
Aderounmu Adejumoke
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 April 7.
She started her professional acting career in the movie “Arugba,” produced by Tunde Kelani in 2008, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila.
Junior Pope
Days after the death of Adejumoke, the news of the passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo popularly called, Jnr Pope, broke out leaving Nigerians heart broken.
The actor died on Wednesday, March 10, on his way back from a movie location in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
According to sources, the actor died during a boat trip.The boat capsized and him alongside two others yet to be identified actors drowned. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The death of the actor has thrown Nigerians into mourning as the death could have been avoided only if a life jacket was provided for the movie makers.
