The Nigerian Movie Industry, Nollywood has numerous seasoned veterans and budding talents.
Sadly, the Nigerian movie industry, has recorded a number of deaths of prominent actors and actresses in the year 2024.
Their immeasurable contributions to the growth and development of the industry are enormous and must be reflected on.
Great Nollywood actors like Olofa Ina, Ethel Ekpe, Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Munagor, Sisi Quadri and the latest being Zulu Adigwe have left the industry a big vacuum to fill in the years to come. As part of tributes to the late actors, it is imperative to reflect upon the invaluable contributions they made to the film industry in Nigeria.
Here is the list of Nollywood actors that have died in 2024 so far from January till date:
Olofa Ina
Famous Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, widely and popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4, 2024 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.
Sisi Quadri
Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri also made the list of death that rocked the Nigerian movie industry in 2024. He died on March 1, at the age of 44.
Oyebamiji celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023.
His death was announced by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.
Announcing his death, Nollywood actress, Abiola Bayo wrote on her verified Instagram handle, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”
Another actor, Tunde Yusuf who posted his (Sisi Quadri) picture said, “Everything in the world is according to the will of Allah. From Allah we have come and unto Him we shall return. May God bless, rest your soul, bro.”
Mr. Ibu
Next on the list is another veteran Nollywood Actor, John Okafor, also widely known as Mr. Ibu.
The news of Mr. Ibu’s death came a day after Sisi Quadri’s demise. Mr Ibu, famous for his comic acting, died at the age of 62.
His death was a big blow to Nollywood, leaving his numerous fans and colleagues in mourning.
Prior to his death, Nigerians and indeed the world acknowledge Mr. Ibu for his talent and unwavering strength amidst personal health challenges. Various contributions were made to help him get over his health challenges, but sadly passed on.
Ibu’s contribution to Nollywood cannot be quantified. His death will continue to remain evergreen in the hearts of fans and well-wishers as he remains one of the greatest comedic figures in the movie industry. 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 2024, 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 travel abroad for a kidney transplant.
The veteran has appeared in several Nollywood movies, including Aki and Paw Paw, where he played most famous roles as the father of two mischief-making, exuberant teenagers.
Aderounmu Adejumoke
Nigerians again received another sad news of another Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu’s death, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary.
Aderounmu died on Sunday, March 7 2024.
Aderounmu began her professional acting career in the movie “Arugba,” produced by Tunde Kelani in 2008, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila. She featured in good number of Nollywood movies before her death and would be remembered for her brilliant roles in most movies.
Adeola Aderounmu, the brother of the actress, announced her passing through his Instagram story on Sunday.
Junior Pope
Junior Pope Odonwodo, also widely known as Jnr Pope, is another veteran Nollywood actor that the list of deaths in 2024. This came days after the death of Adejumoke.
The actor died on Wednesday, March 10 2024, while filing in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
According to our source, the actor died during a boat trip. The boat capsized leaving him and two other yet to be identified actors to get drowned. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Zulu Adigwe
Veteran Nollywood actor, Zulu Adigwe has reportedly passed on.
Adigwe is said to have died on Tuesday evening, the 23rd of April, 2024.
His death was announced in an Instagram post by Movie producer, Stanley Nwoko.
According to Nwoko, “I regret to announce the passing of a veteran actor, late Mr Zulu Adigwe. What caused his death is yet to be reviewed. Rest in peace good actor,” he added.
During his career, Adigwe was famous in the movies: “Living in Bondage”, “Breaking Free” and many others.
Following the death of Zulu Adigwe, Nollywood has lost eight of its actors in the year 2024, including Sisi Quadri, Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor, Andy Best, Jumoke Aderounmu and Junior Pope.
In summary, these late great Nollywood actors have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nollywood. Nigerians will continue to celebrate them even after death. May their soul continue to rest in perfect peace.