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
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.
