8 Nollywood Actors Who Died Recently

In recent times, the Nigerian entertainment industry has been marked by a series of poignant farewells, as beloved figures in the world of cinema bid their final adieus. These luminaries, who graced both the silver and small screens, left an indelible mark on Nigeria's vibrant entertainment landscape.

Among the notable departures is the loss of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe MFR, the revered queen of Nollywood films and the visionary founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Her legacy extends far beyond her cinematic achievements, as she tirelessly championed Nollywood's presence on the global stage.

The Nigerian TV show Feyikogbon also mourned the passing of Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola, whose role in this long-running Yoruba language series endeared him to audiences for decades. His battle with kidney failure and the public appeal for assistance underscore the challenges faced by even well-known actors.

The demise of Femi Ogunrombi, famously known as Papa Ajasco, brought both confusion and reflection, as media outlets grappled with mistaken identities. His unique comedic talent contributed to the enduring popularity of the Papa Ajasco series.

Tragically, the promising career of Favour Daniel, a rising star in skit-making and Nollywood, was cut short in a boating accident. Her influence on social media and the entertainment industry was profound.

READ ALSO » 7 Nollywood Actors/Actress Who Died On Movie Set

These departures, along with those of Chief Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro), Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi), Murphy Afolabi, and Sikiru Adeshina (Mukaila Adedigba), have left an unmistakable void in Nigerian cinema. This article pays tribute to their remarkable contributions, celebrating their legacies and the enduring impact they've had on the world of Nigerian entertainment.

8 Nollywood Actors Who Died Recently

• Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
• Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola
• Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)
• Favour Agiounim Daniels
• Chief Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro)
• Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi)
• Murphy Afolabi
• Adedigba Mukaila

1. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

Among the recent departures from the world of Nigerian cinema is Peace Anyiam-Osigwe MFR. Renowned as the queen of Nollywood films, Peace was a prominent Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive. Her notable achievement includes founding the globally acclaimed Africa Movie Academy Awards. The Guardian once noted her pivotal role in promoting Nollywood films at international film festivals. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, born on March 30, 1969, tragically slipped into a coma on January 7, 2023, and breathed her last at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos at the age of 53 on January 9, 2023.

2. Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola (Feyikogbon)

Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola, known for his role in the long-running Nigerian TV show Feyikogbon, which initially aired on NTA Channel 7 in Lagos, holds a significant place in Nigerian entertainment history. This Yoruba language series graced NTA channels in Southwestern Nigeria during the 1980s. In 2014, Yinka Ogundaisi brought a revived version of Feyikogbon to DStv's Africa Magic channels. Born on September 19, 1942, Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola, affectionately known as Feyikogbon, endured a battle with kidney failure for years. In 2019, he sought public assistance, requiring 30 million Naira for overseas kidney failure and hypertension treatment. Despite his popularity, he often lamented that fame didn't equate to fortune. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 80.

3. Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)

Femi Ogunrombi, recognized for his portrayal of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga's comedy series, left a void in Nigerian entertainment when he passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023. His departure led to some confusion, as some media outlets mistakenly used a picture of the character Richard Abiodun Ayoyinka from the Papa Ajasco series. Ayoyinka clarified this case of mistaken identity in a brief video.

4. Favour Agiounim Daniels

Favour Daniel, a talented skit maker and burgeoning Nollywood actress known for her roles as Amama, Omoge, and Omo, was on the cusp of stardom. Tragically, her life was cut short at the tender age of 26 in a boating accident on February 5th, 2023. Favour's vibrant presence in the world of social media and her promising career left an indelible mark on those who knew her work.

5. Chief Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro)

Chief Ojo Arowosafe, widely known as Fadeyi Oloro, holds a prominent place among recently departed actors. Born in Igbara Odo on September 15, 1957, Fadeyi Oloro's portrayal of a herbalist and antagonist in the movie industry, characterized by his captivating Yoruba incantations, left an enduring legacy. Despite being unfairly labeled as wicked in real life, Fadeyi's talent shone in the 80s and 90s. His directorial debut, Arelu, in the late 80s propelled him to fame. Over the course of his career, he graced more than 100 films with his presence. On March 7, 2023, after a prolonged battle with illness, he passed away at the age of 66.

6. Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi)

Obinna Nwafor, also known as Saint Obi, carved a name for himself in Nigerian cinema as an actor, film producer, and director. His memorable roles in movies like Candle Light, State of Emergency, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime, and Last Party endeared him to audiences. Born on November 16, 1965, Saint Obi's tragic passing on May 7, 2023, was attributed to the anguish stemming from his failed marriage. A close friend, Ejiro, disclosed that the separation from his family weighed heavily on him, contributing significantly to his untimely demise.

7. Murphy Afolabi

READ ALSO » From Lagos To The World: The Rise Of Nollywood And Its Global Impact

Murphy Afolabi, a beloved figure in Nollywood, graced the industry with his talents as both an actor and director. Born on May 5, 1974, in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, he held a diploma in theatre arts, film production, and mass communication. Murphy's acting career, which began in the late 1990s, brought him fame through Yoruba-language movies such as Wasila Coded Reloaded (2022), Jimi Bendel (2016), and One Blood. The Nigerian film industry mourned his loss when he passed away on May 14, 2023, at the age of 49, due to a brain injury.

8. Adedigba Mukaila

The Yoruba movie industry bid farewell to Sikiru Adeshina, also known as Mukaila Adedigba, on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his demise remain shrouded in mystery. Sikiru Adeshina's profound knowledge and experience in the industry left a lasting impact, especially on those who had the privilege of learning from him. His colleagues grieve his loss, acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigerian cinema. Adedigba's memory lives on through his memorable performances and the enduring influence he left on Nollywood.

In conclusion, the recent losses in Nigeria's entertainment industry have left an irreplaceable void, taking with them the talents, creativity, and passion that enriched our cinematic world. From the visionary leadership of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe to the iconic characters brought to life by actors like Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola, Femi Ogunrombi, Favour Daniel, Chief Ojo Arowosafe, Obinna Nwafor, Murphy Afolabi, and Sikiru Adeshina, their contributions have forever shaped the landscape of Nollywood.

These departures serve as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life, urging us to cherish and celebrate the artistry and dedication that these individuals poured into their craft. Their legacies live on through the films and shows they graced with their presence, inspiring current and future generations of actors and filmmakers.

As we bid farewell to these luminaries, we also acknowledge the profound impact they had on the hearts of their fans and the Nigerian entertainment industry as a whole. Their memories will forever be etched in the annals of Nollywood, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring influence of those who bring these stories to life.