The Nigerian entertainment Industry, celebrated for its compelling Afrobeat music and captivating performances in films, experienced the loss of numerous celebrities in 2023.
As the year comes to an end, we take a moment to remember and pay tribute to the prominent celebrities who bid us farewell in this period.
Despite the difficulty in bidding them farewell, here are some celebrities we said goodbye to this year. While indigenous rapper Oladips falsely claimed his demise as a promotional stunt for his upcoming album, numerous actors, actresses, movie producers, filmmakers, and other entertainers genuinely passed away in the grasp of death.
1. Mohbad
The unexpected loss of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, deeply saddened Nigerians, especially given his unexpected departure on September 12, 2023. At just 27. Videos of the singer facing bullying and assault resurfaced following his death. He delivered numerous hit songs like Feel Good, Peace, Ponmo, Beast and Peace, Sorry, Ko Por Ke, among others in his brief tenure in the music scene following his breakthrough. Reciting lyrics from his tracks, like, ko po ke, Wetin be this one like this, will always linger on our lips.
Read also: US church honors late singer, Mohbad for their Christmas celebration
He was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s “Marlian Records” and left the label in 2022. He was Also recognized as Imole, it was reported that his life ended due to the administration of incorrect injections by an auxiliary nurse named Ms. Feyisayo Ogedengbe. His captivating melodies and calm demeanor in interviews will remain highly esteemed. As we seek justice for his unexpected passing, we persist in remembering him for the influence he left behind.
2. Femi Ogunrombi, aka Papa Ajasco
Our childhoods would be incomplete without the familiar gesture of tapping our heads and exclaiming “Oh Jibijibijibi,” just like Papa Ajasco used to do. This year, we bid farewell to Femi Ogunrombi, the actor behind Papa Ajasco. His demise in January 2023 was disclosed by Shaibu Husseini, a theater practitioner and journalist, in a tweet.
3. Chief Ojo Arowosafe, aka Fadeyi Oloro
Another Nollywood actor, Ojo Arowosafe, commonly recognized as Fadeyi Oloro, passed away this year. His demise occurred on March 7, 2023, following a prolonged illness at the age of 66. The somber announcement was made by the actor and comedian Bayegun Oluwatoyin, also known as Woli Arole, through his Instagram account.
4. Murphy Afolabi
Addressing cherished Yoruba actors who have left us, the memory of Murphy Afolabi and his enduring performances cannot be overlooked. It was reported that he collapsed in the bathroom of his residence in Ikorodu, Lagos, that Sunday morning.
His demise, marked by genuine dedication to his roles, was as unexpected as it was shocking. Afolabi departed on May 14, 2023, coinciding with the losses of Adedigba Mukaila and Saint Obi, intensifying the sorrow within Nollywood. The announcement of Afolabi’s passing plunged his colleagues, admirers, and dear ones into mourning.
5. Cynthia Okereke
Nolywood Actress Cynthia Okereke, a significant figure in Nollywood, passed away on July 11, 2023, as confirmed by her colleague Joseph Okechukwu.
Okereke passed away nearly a year after she and actor Clemson Cornel Nonyelu, also known as ‘Agbogidi,’ were kidnapped during a film shoot in Enugu last year. She was 63 at the time of her demise and will be remembered for her memorable roles in various films, notably the humorous “Osuofia in London. “Her contributions extended to movies like “Reggae Boys,” “Nwando,” the iconic “A Fool at 40,” and “Katakata,” among others. Okereke’s sudden departure left many in disbelief, and though her absence is felt, we find comfort in the enduring legacy she created.
6. Don Brymo Uchegbu
Popular Nollywood actor Don Brymo Uchegbu, famed for portraying regal characters in movies, passed away following a collapse while filming in Ahoada, Port-Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. He experienced a stroke due to elevated blood pressure and succumbed after being promptly taken to the hospital.
7. Saint Obi
Renowned Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Obinna Nwafor, popularly recognized as Saint Obi, passed away at 57 on May 6, 2023, following a protracted struggle with an ailment. The esteemed Nollywood figure breathed his last at his sister’s residence in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. Known for his iconic presence, he was highly admired by fans and left an indelible mark in Nollywood, consistently delivering successful performances over the years.
8. Adedigba Mukaila
The Yoruba Nollywood sector faced a significant setback with the demise of the well-known actor Adedigba Mukaila, alias Sikiru Adeshina, on May 13, 2023. The announcement of his passing was made by fellow actor Kunle Afod on social media. Adegbigba, a beloved figure among Yoruba movie enthusiasts, left many in disbelief with his unexpected departure. Nevertheless, he will be warmly recalled for the impactful roles he portrayed.
9. Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, aka Suara
This year also saw the passing of Pa Yemi Adeyemi, known as Suara. His son, Adetoun Adeyemi, officially announced the news on September 25. His influential career, particularly his memorable portrayal as Suara in the well-known old series “Super Story: Oh Father! Oh Daughter,” where he depicted a polygamist alongside popular actresses Bukky Wright and Sola Sobowale as his first and second wives, will be fondly recalled.
10. Cindy Amadi
Nigerian actress Cindy Amadi, known for portraying Adaora in the contentious lesbian-themed film “Ife,” passed away on September 14. The confirmation of her death came through a statement from the movie’s producers on their Instagram page, expressing profound sorrow. However, the reason for her death has not been disclosed to the public at this juncture.
Amadi, a gifted actress who enchanted the set with her skills, left an enduring impact on the lives of those she collaborated with.
11. Usman Pategi, aka Samantha
The Kannywood industry mourned the loss of Usman Pategi, renowned for his role as Samanja in the discontinued NTA drama series from the 80s. Born on May 20, 1942, he passed away in November 2023 at the age of 81. The announcement of his demise, lacking details on the cause of death, was made by theatre consultant Husseini Shaibu on his Facebook page.
12. Dejumo Lewis
Dejumo Lewis, a Veteran Nigerian film and television actor famous for portraying the Kabiyesi role in “The Village Headmaster,” Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera aired on NTA from 1968 to 1988, was born in 1943 in Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria. His early education took place at Holy Cross Primary School on Lagos Island, followed by secondary schooling at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.
Initially considering priesthood, Dejumo enrolled at St. Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary in Ibadan but later shifted his focus. Opting for a Master’s degree in Communication Arts at the University of Ibadan, he abandoned the idea of becoming a priest.
His passing on December 23, at the age of 80, was announced by his junior colleague Saheed Balogun on Instagram.
13. Peace Anyiam- Osigwe
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a prominent filmmaker and President of the Association of Movie Producers, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, at a hospital in Lagos State. She also founded the Africa Film Academy in 2005, known for hosting a highly esteemed award ceremony in African filmmaking.
In 2020, she assumed the role of National President of The Association of Movie Producers. Anyiam-Osigwe had been in a coma since January 7, 2023, and she died at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on January 9, at the age of 53.
14. Chikezie Uwazie
Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie, who passed away on Sunday, May 14, reportedly lost his life following brain surgery in the United States. The announcement of his demise was made by fellow actor Obey Etok on her Instagram page.
15. Chris Mba
Veteran pop singer Chris Mba, known for his iconic jerry curl and hits such as ‘Funky Situation,’ ‘Baby Don’t Cry,’ ‘Making My Way,’ and ‘Love Everlasting,’ passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, following a prolonged struggle with heart complications. The musician breathed his last at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
15. Afeez Agoro
Famous Nollywood actor and widely acknowledged as Nigeria’s tallest man, Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, succumbed to a prolonged illness, specifically Acromegaly, commonly known as gigantism, on June 15. Prior to his passing, Agoro stood at an imposing height of 7 feet 4 inches. His remarkable stature, featured in several movies, drew attention wherever he went. Born in Sabo Yaba, Lagos State, the 48-year-old actor was the last child among three siblings, with his mother being the second wife of his late father.
