As Nollywood loses another veteran actor, Emmanuel France, death has robbed Nigeria of over 10 actors in 2024 alone.
Stakeholders are very disturbed over this only a few of the deceased were of the ripe age.
Only weeks after popular comedian, Mr Ibu, was laid to rest, the news of France’s death broke on Tuesday.
Filmmaker Femi Ogedengbe confirmed it on Monday through his Instagram page, sharing his sorrow and reminiscing about the fond memories they shared.
He wrote: “Rest in peace to one of Nollywood’s legends, Uncle Emmanuel France. One of the actors I took to Tanzania in 2006. We shot three movies together: Cross My Sin, She Is My Sister, and The Director. R.I.P.”
Among those who had earlier departed were Yoruba caustic-tongued comedian, Siri Quadri, and actor Junior Pope.
In the Yoruba film industry, proverbs-wielding Deji Aderemi, aka Olofa Ina; and incantation baron, Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly called Ogunjinmi, also joined their ancestors.
Here is the list of actors and actresses that have died in 2024, as culled from ‘The Nation’.
Olofa Ina
Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4.
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.
Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri died on March 1.
He was 44.
Oyebamiji celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023.
Mr. Ibu
A day after Sisi Quadri’s demise, the news of the passing of comedic actor, John Okafor, popular as Mr Ibu broke out.
The actor, renowned for his comedic roles, died at the age of 62. It plunged fans and colleagues into mourning.
His contribution to Nollywood’s quintessential comedic figures is destined to endure as an individual. 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.
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.
Aderounmu Adejumoke
Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, died on Sunday, March 7.
Aderounmu started her professional acting career in the movie “Arugba,” produced by Tunde Kelani in 2008, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila.
Junior Pope
Days after the death of Adejumoke, the news of the passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo popularly called, Jnr Pope, broke out.
Zulu Adigwu
Veteran actor Zulu Adigwu died on Tuesday, April 23.
His death was announced on Facebook by popular film producer and singer, Mike Nliam.
Veteran Yoruba actor, Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ogunjimi passed away on April 26, 2024.
His death was made known by actor Kunle Afod in an Instagram post.
Sule Suebebe
Veteran Nollywood actor Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known by his stage name Sule Suebebe, passed away on June 12, 2024.
The news of Adewunmi’s death was announced by Pastor Ademola Amusan, widely known as Agbala Gabriel.
