Onyeka Onwenu, Jnr Pope, Mr Ibu… celebrities who died in 2024

24 Dec 2024, 10:12 by Pelumi Bolawa · TheCable Lifestyle

The Nigerian entertainment industry experienced a tremendous loss in 2024, with the passing of several celebrities who left an indelible mark on the industry. Here are some of the brightest stars who shone brightly but left us too soon.

OLOFA INA

Ace actor Olofa Ina, born Deji Aderemi, passed away on January 4, 2024, at 73. Known for his epic movie roles and skillful interpretation of scripts, he starred in movies like ‘Odetedo,’ ‘Lakaaye,’ ‘Kogun Maja,’ and ‘Ade Oba’.

Olofa Ina will be deeply missed.

SISI QUADRI

Tolani ‘Sisi Quadri’ Oyebamiji was a popular Yoruba actor who died on March 1, 2024, at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomosho. Sisi Quadri was famous for his comedic roles and spontaneous insults, which endeared him to his fans.

He was buried in his hometown in Iwo, Osun state.

JOHN ‘MR IBU’ OKAFOR

Veteran comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, died of cardiac arrest in March 2024, at the age of 62. Before his passing, Mr. Ibu had battled a life-threatening illness that led to the amputation of his leg.

He was buried on June 28 in Amurri, Nkanu, his hometown in Enugu.

AMAECHI MUONAGOR

Actor Amaechi Muonagor passed away in April 2024, after a long battle with kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke. Muonagor, who was 61 and hailed from Idemili town in Anambra state, had cried out for financial support to foot his medical bills before his death. His contributions to the Nigerian film industry will not be forgotten.

ADEJUMOKE ADEROUNMU

Adejumoke Aderounmu sadly passed away on April 6. The young actress became popular after she featured in Funke Akindele’s TV series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’.

The actress’ death sparked controversy after her brother accused Akindele of neglecting her during her illness. Despite the controversy, Aderounmu’s talent and potential will be remembered.

SARATU GIGADO

Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, fondly called Daso, died on April 9, 2024. With over two decades of experience in the Hausa film industry, Gidado appeared in over 100 movies.

Her legacy will continue to inspire upcoming actors in the Kannywood industry.

JUNIOR POPE

Actor Junior Pope Odonwodo died in a boat mishap on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State, on April 10, 2024. The actor died alongside four crew members on their way to a movie location.

His death sparked a myriad of controversies and was met with shock and sadness from the entertainment industry and his fans.

ONYEKA ONWENU

Legendary singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu collapsed and died at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, on July 30, 2024.

The 72-year-old award-winning songstress was buried at the Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi, Lagos on August 30.

Onwenu’s music and acting career spanned over four decades. Her legacy will continue to inspire upcoming artistes.

SULE SUEBEBE

Dayo Adewunmi, the ace actor fondly called Sule Suebebe, passed away on June 12. Suebebe, famous for his comedic roles, died at an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state at 68.

Before his demise, the Ekiti-based thespian cried out for financial support to foot his medical bills. Suebebe’s talent for making people laugh will be deeply missed.

STELLA IKWUEGBU

Stella Ikwuegbu, the ace actress, passed away in July after battling with leg cancer. Ikwuegbu began her acting career in 1990 and featured in numerous Nollywood films. Her contributions to the Nigerian film industry will not be forgotten.

SHARON OKPAMEN

Actress and producer Sharon Okpamen died in August 2024, less than a month after welcoming her second child. She ventured into acting in the mid-2000s but gained popularity for her role in ‘Touch Not My Crown’.

Okpamen featured in ‘The Great Servant’, ‘Take A Fall’, ‘Eshikito’, ‘Enibokun Nollose’, ‘Ovbieze Odehiomwan’, ‘Olighi, Efosa’ and ‘The Housewife’.

Her talent and potential will be remembered, and her legacy will continue to inspire upcoming actors in the industry.

CHARLES ‘AGBAKO’ OLUMO

Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, the ace Nigerian actor popularly known as Charles Olumo and Baba Agbako, died on October 31, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101.

Born on February 19, 1923, in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Agbako’s acting career spanned over seven decades. His legacy will continue to inspire upcoming actors in the industry.

BABA GBENRO

Gospel actor and producer Baba Gbenro passed away, leaving behind a legacy in the gospel film industry. His contributions to the industry will not be forgotten.

ETHEL EKPE

Ethel Ekpe, the actress known for her role as Segi in the iconic sitcom ‘Basi and Company’, died of cancer.

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