In just four months into the year 2024, the entertainment industry has witnessed several deaths in the filmmaking sector. While majority passed away due to illness, two died in their sleep and one was involved in an accident, throwing the movie industry into deep shock.
Here we take a look at the contributions they made to the film industry and the legacies they left behind.
Olofa Ina.
Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4 after a protracted illness.
One of his wives identified as Modinatu Aderemi told BBC Yoruba actor was in the hospital for three weeks but she cannot say what the exact cause is death was.
The bereaved said her husband was a good person full of kindness and compassion.
Olofa Ina died at the age of 73.
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.
Sis Quadri.
Yoruba actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri died on March 1, at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) and was buried in his hometown, Agbowo area of Iwo, Osun State, according to Islamic rites.
The actor died at the age of 44 after battling an illness.
Quadri, known for his sarcasm in movies and skits, had his breakthrough in 2004 in the Yoruba movie, Seranko Seniyan. His meteoric rise came in 2020 when he released the movie Ebudola alongside an actress, Funmi Awelewa.
Mr Ibu.
A day after Sisi Quadri’s demise, the news of the passing of actor, John Okafor, popular as Mr Ibu broke out.
The actor, renowned for his comedic roles, died at the age of 62, throwing fans and colleagues into mourning.
Mr Ibu died on March 2 after a protracted illness that led to the amputation of his leg.
Ameachi Muonagor.
While trying to move past the Mr Ibu’s shocking death, the industry was hit with another blow as the death of veteran actor Ameachi Muonagor was announced.
Ameachi 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.
The 61-year-old appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw. It is one of his most famous roles, where he played Mazi Ibekwe, the father of two mischief-making, exuberant teenagers played by Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme.
Jumoke Aderounmu.
Actress Jumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as Esther in Funke Akindele’s Jenifa’s Dairy series died on Saturday, April 6.
Adeola Aderounmu, brother of the actress, announced her passing through his Instagram story on Sunday. According to him, Jumoke died in her sleep.
Jumoke started her professional acting career in the 2008 film Arugba produced by Tunde Kelani, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila.
Saratu Gidado.
Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, popularly known as Daso died on Tuesday, April 9 was buried in the evening of the same day, according to Islamic rites.
According to her family, Saratu was found dead after Sahur, the early-morning Muslim breakfast for those who observed the Ramadan fasting.
She made her debut in 2000 in a movie titled Linzami Da Wuta, produced by Sarauniya Movies.
Junior Pope.
Junior Pope’s death came as a shock to his fans and colleagues who could not believe the news as the actor died hours after posting a video of himself on Instagram, enjoying a boat ride.
Junior Pope was confirmed dead on the night of April 10 after several attempts to resuscitate him failed. The actor alongside four 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.
Junior Pope began his acting career in 2006 and has acted in more than 150 Nollywood movies including Bachelor Eve, Vengeance of Bullet, Bitter Generation, The Generals, Wrong Initiation, The Cat, Nkwocha, Secret Adventure, among others.
The 39-year-old got married to Jennifer Awele in 2014 and they are blessed with three children.
Veteran Storyteller Jimi Solanke, movie producer Andy Best and theatre director Wole Oguntokun also died in 2024.
