It is just four months into 2024 yet Nollywood has said goodbye to several actors. Below are some prominent iconic and budding movie stars whose deaths have left an irreplaceable void in the film industry.
- Olofa Ina
Olofa Ina died on January 4 at 73. Real name Deji Aderemi, Ina was born on May 15, 1950, in Ede, Osun state.
From 1970 to 1977, he worked as a grade II officer with the ministry of works and transport in Ibadan before retiring.
After retiring, he started theatre arts practice fully in 1980 and founded a theatre group after his name, ‘The Olofa Ina Theatre Group’.
- Ethel Ekpe
Known for her role as ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’, the actress died after a long battle with cancer on February 5.
Her death was confirmed by Shaibu Husseini, director general of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
Ekpe was also known for a role in ‘Heartbeats’, ‘Sons of the Caliphate’, and ‘Forever’.
- Sisi Quadri
Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, the actor famous in the Yoruba film industry died on March 1.
The actor, famous for his insults and comic role, died at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso (LAUTECH).
- Mr Ibu
The death of Sisi Quadri was followed by the passing of Mr Ibu on March 2. John Okafor, the ace actor, died of cardiac arrest at 62.
Before his death, the actor had battled a life-threatening illness that led to the amputation of his leg.
Ibu delved into acting in the early 2000s but rose to fame for his role in the movie ‘Mr Ibu’ (2004).
He also featured in several movies such as ‘Coffin Producers’, ‘Husband Suppliers’, ‘International Players’, ‘Mr. Ibu in London’ and ‘Police Recruit’.
- Ameachi Muonagor
Nollywood was thrown into another state of mourning in March following the death of the veteran actor Ameachi Muonagor.
Muonagor passed away at the age of 61 after a long battle with kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Before his death, the ace actor had revealed that the left side of his body had been “paralysed for several months”.
Amaechi was born on August 20, 1962. He was a native of Idemili, in Anambra state.
- Adejumoke Aderounmu
The Nigerian actress, who was famous for her role in Funke Akindele’s TV series ‘Jenifa’s Diary,’ passed away on April 6.
Aderounmu’s death caused controversies after Adeola Aderounmu, her brother, who broke the news, accused Akindele of neglecting the actor when she was ill.
Akindele, however, denied the claim of neglect, arguing that she was unaware of the actress’ illness.
- Saratu Gidado
Saratu Gidado, the Kannywood actress fondly called Daso, died in the early hours of April 9.
Gidado debuted in the movie industry in 2000 with ‘Linzami Da Wuta’, produced by Sarauniya Movies.
She was prominent in the Hausa film industry for over two decades and appeared in over 100 movies.
- Junior Pope
Junior Pope Odonwodo was confirmed dead on the night of April 10 after attempts to resuscitate him failed.
Pope died alongside some crew members after their boat capsized in the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on their way to a movie location.
His death came as a shock to his fans as well as his colleagues.
Shortly before the boat mishap, Pope, who appeared scared of the river, shared a video of himself offering prayers for a safe journey while heading to the movie location.
“See me lamenting….The risk we take to entertain you; crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket…. Na wahooooo Who does that ??” the actor captioned the Instagram post.
Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle