Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry, is reeling from a series of deaths among its prominent actors this year.
The recent losses include beloved stars like Mr. Ibu and Sisi Quadri, Junior Pope adding to a list of seasoned veterans and rising talents who have passed away over the years.
Amidst this wave of sorrow, it’s crucial to honour the enduring legacies these actors have left behind in Nigeria’s vibrant film landscape.
Here is the list of Nollywood actors that have died in 2024 so far:
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.
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.
Mr. Ibu
A day after Sisi Quadri’s demise, the news of the passing of comedic actor, John Okafor, popular as Mr Ibu broke out.
The actor, renowned for his comedic roles, died at the age of 62. It 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 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.
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.
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.
Junior Pope
Days after the death of Adejumoke, the news of the passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo popularly called, Jnr Pope, broke out.
The actor died on Wednesday, March 10, while filing in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
According to our source, the actor died during a boat trip. The boat capsized and him alongside two other yet to be identified actors got drown. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed death.
Saratu Gidado
Kannywood’s prominent actress Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso, was pronounced dead on April 9, 2024.
Daso died in the early hours of Tuesday at her home in Kano.
The cause of her death is however unknown.
