TheNewsGuru

Tag: Junior Pope

  • Wife of late Nollywood actor, Junior Pope finds joy again

    Wife of late Nollywood actor, Junior Pope finds joy again

    Jennifer Odonwodo, the widow of late Nollywood actor Jnr Pope, is brimming with joy following the graduation of her first son, Jason, from primary school.

    In an emotional post, Jennifer reflected on the bittersweet experience of celebrating her son’s achievement without her late husband, who had eagerly anticipated this day.

    “God had come through when we had lost hope and didn’t know the right words to say,” Jennifer wrote, celebrating God’s sovereignty in Igbo, affirming that “Man was not God.” She honored her late husband’s memory, noting that although it’s tough, she and her children continue to carry his love, teachings, and memories with them.

     Nollywood actress Empress Njamah, made the graduation even more special after gifting Jason a brand-new laptop. The widow’s emotional post concluded with a message of gratitude to those who have supported her family and a wish for eternal rest for her late husband and father-in-law, who passed away recently.

  • Father of late Nollywood actor Junior Pope passes away

    Father of late Nollywood actor Junior Pope passes away

    The family of the late actor Junior Pope is mourning another loss as his father, Ozor Luke Odonwodo, has passed away.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Junior Pope’s wife, Jennifer Awele in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday shared a video montage featuring her late husband, his father, and other family members.

    The mother of three noted that the news devastated her and her late husband’s family.

    Describing him as an octogenarian who lived a full life, Awele praised her late father-in-law for his sacrifices and devotion to his family.

    Her post reads: “Barely one month ago, I was with you in Enugu…some days later, Reme (My mother in love) called, asked how I and her boys are doing and further went to say that her husband has gone to meet my husband.

    “I screamed but had to quickly pull myself together as she started crying after I screamed Ozor Luke Odonwodo is one man that genuinely loved me…and I’m so thankfulI got to spend time with him even though short unknowingly in his last days.

    “He passed an octogerian who lived a good life, paid his dues, sacrificed a lot for his family and loved ones and happily reaped the fruits of his labour…Reme, Nwanyiomam, this is actually alot within one year but i pray god gives you and us all the strength we need to keep pushing no matter how hard it seems….adieu father and son.

    “You are sorely missed but we hold onto the resurrection promises in John 5:28,29 And Acts 24:15 Ozor Luke OdonwodoJnr Pope Odonwodo, may your gentle soul, rest in perfect peace. Till We Meet To Part No More#itiswell #Jnrpopeliveson #sosurreal “ she wrote.

    Junior Pope, whose real name was John Paul Odonwodo, was a talented and versatile actor who had made a significant impact on the Nollywood industry.

    In April 2024, Pope died in a boat accident on the River Niger in Anambra State while traveling to Asaba, Nigeria, to shoot a movie. Three crew members also lost their lives in the incident.

    Initially, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) declared him alive after videos circulated online showing him on the boat and villagers attempting to revive him. However, he was later officially announced dead.

  • Keep watching over us – Junior Pope’s widow mourns late actor on his 45th posthumous birthday

    Keep watching over us – Junior Pope’s widow mourns late actor on his 45th posthumous birthday

    The wife of Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, Jennifer, has taken to Instagram to mark what would have been his 45th birthday.

    In a heartfelt post, she shared a touching video alongside a deeply emotional message, reminiscing about their early conversations and expressing the pain of his absence.

    She wrote, “In July 2010, You Asked My Birth Date….I Asked For Yours And You Said The Last Day In The First Week Of May And I Said 7th??? You Said ( Smart With A Clap ).

    “It’s May 7th 2025 And I’m Not Celebrating You With My Different Birthday Surprises(I Doubt I Missed Any),,Not With Candles And Cakes But With Tears And Memories And A Heart That Still Beats In Rhythm With Yours….

    “I Had A Lot In Mind To Type But At This Point,,Words Fail Me. Happy 45th Birthday Our Daddy In Heaven…We Carry Your Love In Everything We Do…Keep Watching Over Us Debonair…”

    It would be recalled that Nollywood actor Junior Pope,  whose real name was John Paul Odonwodo and four crew members drowned on April 10 after their boat capsized in a river near Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State, while returning from the movie set, ‘The Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke.

  • Enugu government honours Junior Pope with posthumous award

    Enugu government honours Junior Pope with posthumous award

    The Enugu State Government has honoured deceased Nollywood actor Junior Pope with a posthumous award at an event organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    It would be recalled that Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four crew members drowned on April 10 after their boat capsized in a river near Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State, while returning from the movie set, ‘The Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke.

     Movie producer Nani Boi made this known after sharing the news on Instagram, where he described the late actor’s legacy as enduring.

     Nani Boi wrote, “Posthumous award to the late great Junior Pope. Forever Green In Our Hearts. Thanks to the Enugu State Government via the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Junior Pope lives on.”

     The award is part of the inaugural Nollywood Legends Awards, which aims to honour the industry’s late stars and living legends.

    Other late stars nominated include John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Enebeli Elebuwa, Sam Loco, Saint Obi, Moji Olaiya, Ada Ameh and Muna Obiekwe.

  • How backlash from Jnr Pope’s death made me contemplate suicide – Adanma Luke

    How backlash from Jnr Pope’s death made me contemplate suicide – Adanma Luke

    Adanma Luke, the producer of the movie in which late Nollywood actor Junior Pope was supposed to be featured, has taken to social media to share her struggle with suicidal thoughts following the tragic incident.

    It would be recalled that Nollywood actor, Junior Pope and four crew members drowned on April 10 after their boat capsized in a river near Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State, while returning from the movie set, ‘The Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke.

    The incident caused outrage from the public as it was gathered that life jackets were not provided for the trip. Adanma was suspended by the Actor Guilds of Nigeria (AGN), but the ban was recently lifted.

    The filmmaker in a lengthy Instagram post, described the period Junior Pope’s died as “very dark” revealing that she contemplated suicide due to the overwhelming backlash she received on social media.

    Adanma further expressed gratitude to movie producer, Uche Nancy who according to her, stood by her during the challenging time.

    She praised Uche for her emotional support and unwavering encouragement which helped her navigate the difficult period.

    She wrote: “With so much tears in my eyes, after so much pressure and expenses in April I reached out to this beautiful soul @uchenancy and she said Ada, don’t worry I dey for you. Just let me know if there’s more to do and i won’t abandon you. She spoke as if she was me and gave me instances of why i should stay alive and strong.

    “It lifted my soul even though I was contemplating suicide at that time and lost interest in whatever was happening and just needed to exit this world because it was indeed a very dark period for me. I had to stop breastfeeding in less than 3 months due so much sadness in my heart, depression, calls and hash words from families of the deceased and online fans.

    “To be sincere I was online because my phone was the closest thing to me at that point. My mom took away my child so i don’t feed or breastfeed my child with sadness. I only come online to cry away my pains from the hurtful words being thrown at me and feel a little better from some good friends and fans who choose to love me regardless.

    “Whatever I did or posted then was what my mindset was all about. Please help me say a kind prayer for this beautiful soul @uchenancy because she didn’t just help me with the huge financial support but also made sure I’m doing okay till now. I can’t end my 2024 without appreciating you my beautiful hardworking woman @uchenancy may God continue to bless you richly.”

  • Top Nollywood stars who died in 2024 (Full list)

    Top Nollywood stars who died in 2024 (Full list)

    As the adage goes, death is unavoidable. Regrettably, within this year’s space, some remarkable figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood, have had their lives unexpectedly truncated under peculiar circumstances.

    These entertainers, who were hale and healthy, had died either suddenly or after battling a protracted illness, throwing the both Nollywood industry and their fans into mourning.

    In this piece, TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) presents a list of notable Nollywood stars who passed away in the outgoing year:

    Agbako

    Nollywood veteran actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako died in October, at aged 101.

    The president of the Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN  Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin announced the actor’s demise on Instagram on Thursday.

    The statement released on his page,reads , “Announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”

    Born on February 19, 1923, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Agbako had a fascinating journey before finding his calling in acting. He initially worked as a mechanic and even dabbled in amateur boxing, displaying his multi-talented nature.

    In 1953, he took a decisive step towards acting, beginning his career with a drama group at the Apostolic Church in Mushin, Lagos State. This was a turning point, as he soon became a beloved figure in Nigerian theater and, later, in Yoruba cinema.

    Agbako’s impact on the film industry is legendary, particularly in the Yoruba-speaking regions, where his powerful performances captivated audiences. Over the years, he starred in many popular films that cemented his status as a household name, including ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Jagun,’ ‘Amin Orun,’ ‘Aiye,’ ‘Jayesinmi,’ ‘Soworo Ide,’ and ‘Igbo Dudu.’

    Bobo B

    In October, Nollywood actor, Ayobami Olabiyi, popularly known as Bobo B, passed away in Ibadan, Oyo State after battling deteriorating health.

    The governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Bose Akinola, announced the sad news, disclosing that the deceased was supposed to be on a movie set in Oyo, but died shortly after he was admitted to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Akintola statement reads: “I have a directive of the Oyo state TAMPAN governor, Her Excellency Yeye Bose Akinola to announce the death of our TAMPAN national general secretary, Chief Alhaji Musadshir Ayobami Olabiyi ‘Bobo B. May God give his family and the entire TAMPAN members globally the fortitude to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen.”

    Emmanuel France

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Emmanuel France died September, 2024. He was in his 80s.

    Nigerian Filmmaker, Femi Ogedengbe announced the veteran’ demise, noting that he had taken the late veteran to Tanzania in 2006, and had shot a number of films with him, including Cross My Sin, She is My Sister and The Director.

    Sharing late actor’s photo, Ogedengbe wrote: “Rest in peace to one of Nollywood legends. Uncle Emmanuel Frances, one of the actors i took to Tanzania in 2006, shot three movie with him; cross my sin, she is my sister and the director. RIP.”

    A Ghanaian by birth, It is yet unclear how he died.

    Yusuf Olorungbede

    Popular Nigerian actor and movie producer, Yusuf Olorungbede,died on Tuesday, August 27.

    Confirming his death, his younger colleague, Oladimeji Peter via his verified Facebook penned an emotional tribute to the deceased actor.

    Sharing his image, he wrote: “It sad to hear you are gone, as an actor you gave me courage, you are the first director that will invite me to a movie location and pay me, not just that alone, my feeding and personal accomodation was settled without stress, how will i write up my stories in this industry and slide your name EGBON?? Ko possible through you i met alot and i learnt so much from you. Good night boss man. Yusuf Olorungbebe.”

    Sharon Okpamen

    In August, Nollywood actress Sharon Okpamen, passed away days after birthing her second child.

    According to reports, the actress fell into a coma and never came back.

    Announcing her death, her colleague, Stanely Ontop via his verified Instagram noted it was a sad day for the Nollywood industry.

    He wrote: “Nollywood Actress and Producer Sharon Okpamen has unfortunately passed on.

    “It’s a sad day for Nollywood & the Edo entertainment industry. Sharon, who was a filmmaker, actress, entrepreneur& humanitarian, has left a significant void in the industry. May her soul rest in perfect peace, Amen @sharonokpamen. It can only get better.”

    Lara Olubo

    Popular Musician cum Nollywood actress, Lara Olubo died in June, 2024.

    The cause of her death was not immediately clear, but she was reported to have taken ill a few weeks to her death.

    Stella Ikwuegbu

    Popular Nollywood actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on Sunday, June 16th, 2024.

    According to Stanley Nwoko, a movie producer, the actress died after battling with leg cancer.

    Bading her farewell, he told her to rest well. He wrote; “Popular Nollywood actress/veteran Mrs stella ikwuegbu is dead.

    ”The veteran Actress left this world today after battling with Leg cancer. Rest well madam Stella.

    ”Nollywood not again. It’s well. Shalom!”.

    Sule Suebebe

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known as Sule Suebebe died at an undisclosed hospital in June, 2024.

    Popular Ibadan-based cleric, Pastor Ademola Amusan who had cared for the actor announced the news of his death saying, “It’s a pity, Baba Suebebe died at the hospital this morning. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Junior Pope

    Popular Nollywood actor, Pope Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope, died in April while attempting to cross the River Niger to shoot a new movie.

    Filmmaker, Sam Olatunji announced his passing, noting that the actor died with three others after their boat capsized.

    He wrote: “Junior Pope passes on. Sad day for Nollywood. Four actors including Jnr Pope fell into Anam River on their way to location and their bodies have been recovered.

    “What a sad day for Nollywood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Multiple sources confirm this sad development to us.

    Mr Ibu

    Popular comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, died in March of this year after undergoing multiple surgeries and a leg amputation in 2023.

    The national president of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Emeka Rollas confirmed Ibu’s passing in an Instagram post saying,  “Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr lbu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace.”

    He was aged 63.

    Sisi Quadri

    Comic Yoruba actor,  Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, died on March 1, at the general hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

    Quadri, known for his sarcasm in movies and skits, had his breakthrough in 2004 in the epic Yoruba movie, Seranko Seniyan. His meteoric rise came in 2020 when he released the movie Ebudola alongside an actress, Funmi Awelewa.

    His other movies include Ololade Mrs Money, Toko Taya, Big Brother Ibadan, Lepa Gawu and recently Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre.

    Amaechi Muonagor

     Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 62 after battling with kidney disease for long time.

    Before his death which came when Nollywood was still mourning Mr Ibu and Sisi Quadri, he had appealed to Nigerians for financial help to support his treatment.

    Zulu Adigwe

     The veteran Nollywood star, Zulu Adigwe died on April 24, 2024. Born in Enugu, Zulu Adigwe became popular for his role as Mr B in the now rested sitcom Basi and Company.

    He has been featured in movies such as Issakaba, Top Secret, Last Ofalla, The Kingmaker, After Dawn, Divided Hearts and City of Kings.

    Olofa Ina

    Veteran Yoruba Nollywood actor, Deji Aderemi, better known as Olafa Ina, died on January 4, 2024, at age 73, after a long battle with cancer.
    Ethel Ekpe

    Nigerian Actress Ethel Ekpe, who played the role of Segi in Basi and Company, a sitcom that ran on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) from 1986 to 1990, passed on February 7, 2024, after a prolonged illness due to cancer.

    Ekpe gained fame for her role in Basi and Company, a classic Nigerian sitcom where she showcased her comedic talent.

    Jimi Solanke

    The Nollywood actor cum poet and playwright better known for his works on Tales by Moonlight, died on February 5, 2024, after a prolonged illness related to old age.

  • Why we did not sue Adanma Luke over Junior Pope’s death – AGN

    Why we did not sue Adanma Luke over Junior Pope’s death – AGN

    The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas has opened up on the reason why the association did not take legal action against Adanma Luke, the producer of the movie that led to the death of Junior Pope Odonwodo.

    It would be recalled that Nollywood actor, Junior Pope and four crew members drowned on April 10 after their boat capsized in a river near Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State, while returning from the movie set, ‘The Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke.

    The incident caused outrage from the public as it was gathered that life jackets were not provided for the trip.

    Adanma was suspended by the Actor Guilds of Nigeria (AGN), but the ban was recently lifted.

    Speaking in a recent interview on Arise TV, Rollas shed light on the reason behind the AGN’s decision.

    The AGN president disclosed that the contract agreement between Adanma and Pope made it impossible for her to be sued.

    According to Rollas, AGN’s legal adviser had reviewed the contract and advised that the guild did not have the locus standi to sue her.

    The AGN president added that their legal adviser said only Pope’s direct family or wife had grounds to take legal action.

    He said, “You know I was here and I said that we are about to sue. In the course of interacting with our legal adviser, he said that from the contract that Junior Pope signed with the producer, the AGN did not have the locum to sue. He said either the direct family or the wife should sue the producer.”

    Rollas said another factor that limited the AGN’s ability to get involved in the issue was Pope’s membership status with the guild. According to him, the actor had not paid his dues for over a year, making him an inactive member.

    “We are looking at changing a lot of things. We are going to begin licensing actors as part of this restructuring,” he said.

    “This will also address issues like Junior Pope’s case. As of his passing, he had not paid his dues for over a year.”

  • Adanma Luke reacts as woman accuses her of killing Junior Pope, wishes her baby death

    Adanma Luke reacts as woman accuses her of killing Junior Pope, wishes her baby death

    Nollywood film maker, Adanma Luke has reacted to a woman who accused her of killing her late colleague, Junior Pope.

    It would be recalled that Nollywood actor, Junior Pope and four crew members drowned on April 10 after their boat capsized in a river near Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State, while returning from the movie set, ‘The Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke.

    The incident caused outrage from the public as it was gathered that life jackets were not provided for the trip.

    Adanma was suspended by the Actor Guilds of Nigeria (AGN), but the ban was recently lifted.

    However, a fan of the late Nollywood actor, continued to send vile messages to the movie producer, urging her to admit to killing the actor and confess her sin.

    Reacting, Adanma laid a curse on the woman, after which declared that she was innocent of the accusations.

    The movie producer, revealed that she have not been working since the late actor’ death and no one asked how she was feeding or taking care of the victims’ families.

    She stated that the woman’s DM gave her the strength to come back on social media as she has nothing to prove to anyone anymore.

    She wrote: “Who is he that saith a thing, and it cometh to pass when the Lord has not commanded it?
    Woman, I am not afraid to die, and I won’t allow you to come for my 6-month-old child who has done nothing to you. I have been insulted and called all manner of names, even by those I was good to, but I still didn’t react. You all want my enemy’s head to go down for you to satisfy your cravings.

    “If I am innocent of all your accusations, may you eat your tears🙏🏾 I have Been off work for months, and no one asked how I was feeding my family or taking care of the victims’ families.

    “This woman’s dm gave me the strength to come back online. I have nothing to prove to you all but believe me, You all gave me the strength I have now, and I honestly don’t give a fuvk no more. Henceforth, enjoy the monster you made of me because I won’t hold back any more. Deleting.”

  • Junior Pope: AGN lifts ban on movie producer, Adanma Luke

    Junior Pope: AGN lifts ban on movie producer, Adanma Luke

    Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), on Saturday lifted the ban on the producer of the ill-fated movie ‘The Other Side of Life’, Adanma Luke, in which Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, and four others died tragically in a boat accident.

    Recall, on April 10, 2024, Junior Pope alongside other crew members drowned in Anam River on their way back from the set of Another Side of Life, a movie produced by Adanma Luke.

    Following the actor’ death, AGN suspended the movie producer, Luke and restricted its members from working with the embattled producer until further notice.

    However, the AGN National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu In a statement released today August 3, said the lifting of Adanma Luke’s ban were taken during the guild’s National Executive Council meeting.

    The statement reads in part;

    “The National President of the Guild, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, use this opportunity to announce the lifting of the suspension placed on Adanma Luke, producer of the movie ‘Another Side of Life,’ where star actor Junior Pope and four other crew members lost their lives in Anam river.

    The President also lifted the ban on filming in riverine areas but cautioned members to apply all safety standard measures recommended in the AGN Bylaws.”

  • New details on how Nollywood actor Jnr Pope Died In boat tragedy emerges

    New details on how Nollywood actor Jnr Pope Died In boat tragedy emerges

    New reports have shown that Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, did not have access to a life jacket, countering viral stories that he had turned one down before the tragic boat incident on April 10 at the Anam River in Anambra State, which claimed his life and that of four others.

    The committee chairman, Prince Uvo Kevin Oghogho, who was set up by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to investigate the accident, refuted the claims that the boat operators offered a life jacket to the late actor.

    “No life jacket was provided to the late actor,” Oghogho stated. He noted that only two passengers, the Director of Photography and the Sound Engineer, were wearing life jackets, which they had hired from the boat operators.

    “When the accident occurred, the operators quickly brought out new life jackets. They had not been making life jackets available to passengers previously,” he said.

    Oghogho, made this known during an interview with Vanguard, shortly after presenting his committee’s findings to the National Executive Council of the guild in Lagos. The report was issued three months after the accident.

    Detailing the events leading up to the mishap, Oghogho explained, “The outboard engine fibre boat conveying the cast and crew of the movie, produced by Adamma Luke departed Asaba jetty with Ononno jetty as destination. As they embarked on the journey, at about 12.30 pm, according to the survivors, Jnr Pope was making a video, while his colleagues on board were catching fun with him.

    “The boat driver’s attention was drawn to the scene, as he was looking back to catch a glimpse of the action, while he was at high speed. He eventually crashed into a crossing local fishing canoe, leading to the speed boat capsizing and emptying all the occupants into the Anam river. Five passengers died on the spot, while seven were rescued alive,” Oghogho recounted.

    Oghogho dismissed rumors that Jnr Pope was killed and then thrown into the river, explaining that another victim also bled from the nose, not just Jnr Pope.

    He added that the doctor attached to the marine police, who recovered Jnr Pope’s body and that of another victim named Friday, performed CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on-site and confirmed them dead before their bodies were taken to the morgue in Asaba.

    Oghogho’s committee recommended that the Ministry of Transportation or the Inland Waterways should mandate the provision of life jackets for all passengers before boarding water transportation.