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From Nollywood veterans to musicians, the Nigerian entertainment industry witnessed the loss of many cherished figures in 2024.
These beloved actors, filmmakers, and musicians left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.
Below is a look back at some of the notable figures who passed away this year.
Adedeji Aderemi (Olofa Ina)
The year began with the loss of a popular Yoruba filmmaker and actor, Adedeji Aderemi, widely known as Olofa Ina, who passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 73 after an undisclosed illness.
He was laid to rest the following day.
Jimi Solanke
Veteran actor and folk singer, Jimi Solanke, passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 81.
He had reportedly been in and out of the hospital for some months before his death.
He was said to have died while being rushed from his country home at Ipara Remo in the Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan.
Ethel Ekpe
Veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe, known for her role in ‘Basi and Company’ and appearances in ‘Sons of the Caliphate’ and ‘Forever,’ died on February 7, 2024, after battling cancer.
Her death was announced by Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini.
Tolani Quadri (Sisi Quadri)
Yoruba actor, Tolani Quadri, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 44.
His death was announced by his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry, and he was buried the following day in Iwo, Osun State.
John Okafor (Mr. Ibu)
On March 2, Nollywood mourned the passing of John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, after a long battle with illness.
The actor, famous for his comedic roles, in 2023 had one of his leg amputated due to some health condition.
He passed away in a hospital on this date and was laid to rest on June 28 in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Andy Best
Nollywood producer, Ikechukwu Nnadi, popularly known as Andy Best, reportedly died on March 19 after battling with a prolonged ailment.
He was reportedly confirmed dead at a private clinic in Owerri, Imo State.
Amaechi Muonagor
Also veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, died on March 24 at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. The actor, known for his comical roles on screen, was said to have suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis.
He was buried on June 21 in his hometown, Ugamuma village, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Aderounmu Adejumoke
Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as “Esther” in Funke Akindele’s popular TV series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary,’ passed away on April 6, 2024, in a private hospital.
Her death was confirmed by her brother, Adeola Aderounmu.
A funeral service was reportedly held for her at Owu Baptist Church, Totoro area of Abeokuta in Ogun State.
John Odonwodo (Junior Pope)
On April 10, Nollywood was struck again by the tragic loss of John Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope, who died in a boat accident on the River Niger while returning from a movie shoot.
The 43-year-old actor, along with four other crew members, lost his life in the tragic incident.
He was laid to rest on May 17 in his hometown of Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Zulu Adigwe
Veteran Nollywood actor, Zulu Adigwe, passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 74.
Adigwe was buried on May 29 in Abuja.
Ganiyu Oyeyemi (Ogunjimi)
Veteran Yoruba actor, Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ogunjimi, died in April 2024.
His death was announced by a fellow Yoruba actor, Kunle Afod.
Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe)
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dayo Adewunmi, known as Sule Suebebe, died on June 12 at a hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He had been under the care of Ibadan-based cleric, Pastor Ademola Amusan, known as Agbala Gabriel, who announced his death.
Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Ikwuegbu, passed away on June 16, 2024, after a prolonged battle with leg cancer.
Onyeka Onwenu
Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, known as the “Elegant Stallion,” passed away on July 30, 2024, at the age of 72.
She collapsed after her performance at an event in Lagos and later passed away in the hospital.
Onwenu was laid to rest in Lagos on August 30, 2024.
Yusuf Olorungbede
Yoruba Nollywood actor Yusuf Olorungbede passed away in August 2024 following an illness.
He had reportedly been placed on life support before his death, which was confirmed by his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.
Sharon Okpamen
Nollywood actress Sharon Okpamen reportedly passed away in August following complications from childbirth.
The news of her death was confirmed by movie producer Stanley Ontop, who shared that Sharon passed after spending days in a coma following childbirth.
Abdulsalam Sanyaolu (Agbako)
Also Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, known as Charles Olumo and Agbako, died on October 31, at the age of 101.
The iconic actor’s demise has been described by some as the end of another glorious era in the Nigerian film industry, considering his contributions to the sector for over 70 years.
He was buried at his Oniboku residence, Atan-Ota, in the Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Moses Korede Are (Baba Gbenro)
Gospel actor and filmmaker Moses Korede Are, popularly known as Baba Gbenro from the Mount Zion series, ‘Abbatoir,’ passed away on November 14, 2024, at the age of 65.
While the exact cause of death was not disclosed, it was reported that he had been battling diabetes.
Are was also the founder of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry.
