In just five months into the year 2022, the entertainment industry has witnessed several deaths in Nollywood. While some passed away due to illness, others died mysteriously, throwing the movie industry into deep shock.
Here we take a look at nine actors who have so far died in the year and the legacies they left behind.
1 Tafa Oloyede
Veteran actor Adewuni Adewoye popularly known as Tafa Oloyede died on February 1 at the age of 69.
Oloyede who began acting in 1974 under the tutelage of the Oyin Adejobi and who is best known for featuring in movies such as Jaiyesimi, Ayanmo, Ekuro Oloja, Orogun, Akanji Oniposi would have clocked 70 this year.
2 Romanus Amuta
Another veteran actor Romanus Amuta, popularly known as Natty in the rested NTA comedy series New Masquerade died on February 9 at the age of 79 after a protracted sickness.
New Masquerade, for which is most popular, also starred the likes of Chika Okpala (Zebrudaya), Claude Eke (Jegede Sokoya), James Iroha (Giringori), Christy Essien-Igbokwe (Apena), David Ofor (Clarus) and Lizzy Ovoeme (Ovularia) was one of the most popular Nigerian soaps of the 1980s.
3 Lari Williams
Veteran actor Lari Willams’ death was announced on February 28.
The movie star passed on at the age of 81, following a long illness. Williams, who was the first president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, died at his home in Ikom, Cross River State.
He was also a poet, and playwright and was active in theatrical productions.
4 Oluweri Magbojo
Just when celebrities were preparing to pay their last respect to Lari Williams, news broke again that actress Shade Akin Taylor popularly known as Oluweri Magbojo had died.
Shade was well known for her dramatic style of makeup, especially her curvy brows. She was the star of the movie Oluweri Magbojo where she played the lead character.
5 Dejo Tunfulu
Kunle Adetokunbo, popularly known as Dejo Tunfulu died on April 1 after a brief illness.
Born on May 31, 1972 in Idumota, Lagos Island area of Lagos State, Dejo Tunfulu hailed from Abeokuta in Ogun State.
The comic actor, writer and producer appeared in movies like Hally The Drummer and Jide Jendo.
6 Veronica Takor
Up-and-coming actress Veronica Takor died on March 23. The actress was found dead in a hotel room in Makurdi, Benue State.
Veronica’s mysterious death happened one week after she celebrated her birthday.
7 Chinedu Benard
On the evening of Friday, April 29, fast-rising actress Chinedu Bernard slumped while cleaning the Chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Enugu. The Priest Rev Fr. Uchendu Chukwuma and some parishioners rushed her to East Side Hospital in Enugu where she was confirmed dead.
However, concerns were raised when photos of the deceased in a hospital bed with bruises on her face were posted on Instagram, causing the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Emeka Rollas to demand an autopsy to ascertain the real cause of Chinedu’s death.
8 Francisca Choji
While the entertainment industry mourned Chinedu, it was dealt with another blow as up-and-coming actress Francisca Choji’s death was announced.
Francisca’s body was found at Rayfield Resort hotel in Jos, Plateau State on May 1.
9 David Osagie
On May 4, actor David Osagie, better known as Sir David, died after filming on set the previous day.
His death was announced by his colleague Ngozi Ezeh who noted that the actor was not sick.
Sir David was best known for his role as king. Some of his movies include My Sorrow My Pain, Agunna and Lost Battle.
