As much as they say life is unexpected, death is definitely inevitable. The year 2022 saw many say their final goodbyes to their loved ones and celebrities were not left out.
Below are some prominent celebrity deaths that shook the Nigerian entertainment industry in 2022:
Ada Ameh
In July, the film star passed away at a hospital in Warri, Delta state.
The actress collapsed at an event and was rushed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Hospital. She, however, died before they arrived at the medical facility.
Ameh’s death came as a rude shock to her fans and colleagues in the movie industry. She was always known to put smiles on people’s faces each time she graced the TV screens.
Sammie Okposo
A top-notch gospel singer who knew his onions, Sammie Okposo passed away on November 25, with associates revealing that he died in his sleep.
He was laid to rest at a private ceremony on December 15, with family, friends and colleagues in attendance.
Okposo was unarguably one of the most popular and longest-standing gospel artistes in Nigeria. He was active for more than two decades in the gospel ministry.
Rico Swavey
The Big Brother Naija community was thrown into grief following the death of Patrick Fakoya (Rico Swavey) on October 13.
The reality star died a few days after he was involved in a ghastly car accident.
Swavey participated in the 2018 edition of the reality TV show titled ‘Double Wahala’ — which Miracle Igbokwe won.
Dejo Tunfulu
For the entire Yoruba movies industry, the news of Dejo Tunfulu’s death was truly a hard pill to swallow.
The comic actor, whose real name is Kunle Tokunbo, died on March 31. Fans, family members, and colleagues in the movie industry took to social media to pay their tributes.
Tokunbo was known for such Yoruba movie titles as ‘Hally The Drummer’ (2016) and ‘Jide Jendo’.
Sola Onayiga
The dust of Ada Ameh’s demise had not settled when the news of Sola Onayiga’s death surfaced.
Onayiga was well known for her role as ‘Ireti’ in the now-defunct family drama ‘Fuji House of Commotion’. She was said to have passed away after a brief illness.
Lari Williams
Lari Williams, the ace actor, passed away in February after a long battle with an undisclosed ailment.
The 81-year-old was the first president of the AGN. He had an illustrious career in the movie landscape which spanned over five decades.
The deceased was popular for featuring in several hit soap operas including ‘Village Headmaster’, ‘Ripples’, and ‘Mirror in The Sun’.
Leo Mezie
Leo, who had been battling a kidney condition for years, died on May 11 while recovering from surgery. He was 46.
The actor was said to have had a kidney transplant over four years ago.
When Leo died, some people accused Nollywood stakeholders of not helping their own in times of need.
8. Romanus Amuta
Romanus Amuta, the ace actor, passed away on February 9, at the age of 79 after battling a protracted ailment.
He came into the limelight after featuring as Natty in the ‘New Masquerade’ — which was one of the most popular TV series in the 80s.
Amuta also featured in several Nollywood movies including ‘Lion Finger’ (2003), ‘Eagles Bride’ (2005), and ‘Ijele’ (1999).
Tafa Oloyede
Born John Adewumi, the loss of Tafa Oloyede was another big blow to the Yoruba movie industry.
Oloyede passed away in February at his home in Osogbo, after a brief illness.
He was most notable for his roles in ‘Akanji Oniposi, ‘Jaiyesimi’, ‘Ayanmo’, ‘Ekuro Ilona’ and ‘Orogun’.
Nura Waye
Nura Waye, the famous Kannywood movie director, passed away on July 1 at his home.
The director was said to have gone to bed hale and hearty the night before but died in his sleep.
His death elicited tributes from Kannywood fans and actors.
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