The Nigerian film industry commonly known as Nollywood boasts of great film producers and talented actors whose movies have continued to send positive waves across the African continent. Ranked in Africa as the largest movie industry and one of the biggest in the world, the Nollywood has produced actors who have continued to intrigue their viewers as well as fans with nice contents and entertaining plot. It is however sad and hard to accept that we might not get to watch these stars forever as we are all bound by the inevitability of death.
Barely three months into 2024, the Nigerian film industry has been shrouded in sorrow as some of the industry’s biggest entertainers have sadly passed on. Below is a list of Nigeria actors who have passed away this year.
1. Adedeji Aderemi
Popular Yoruba filmmaker and actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina was reported dead on January 4, 2024. The veteran actor who co-founded the Olofa Ina Theatre Group alongside some others died at the age of 73 in his hometown in Ede, Osun State.
2. Ethel Ekpe
Veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe who adorned the Nigerian entertainment screen died reportedly on February 5. Having been diagnosed of cancer in 2023, the popular actress who played the role of ‘Segi’ in the defunct sitcom on Nigerian Television Authority by Ken Saro Wiwa titled ‘Basi and Company’ passed away at 60 after battling with a disease.
3. Sisi Quadri
The death of Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, a popular Yoruba actor whose stage name is Sisi Quadri, was announced by his colleagues on social media on Friday. The comic actor had put smile on the faces on many Nigerians through his insulting style of dialogue and talking like a woman in movies. According to reports, the deceased actor died at the age of 44 in a hospital just few days after falling ill while working on location and was laid to rest in his hometown in Iwo, Osun State.
4. John Okafor
The news of the passing away of the veteran actor popularly known as Mr Ibu became the latest tragedy to have struck the Nigerian film industry. Until his death, the late actor aged 62 was also suffering from a health challenge. In November 2023, it was reported that John Okafor underwent a leg amputation with his family revealing that the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery. On 2 March 2024, it was announced that the comic actor died at a hospital in Lagos as a result of cardiac arrest. Nigerians have continued to mourn the recent demise of both Sisi Quadri and Mr Ibu.
Indeed, these actors will be greatly missed. Do well to celebrate these late actors and drop a condolence message for the bereaved families.
