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9 Nollywood actors who died recently
Recently, some beloved actors from Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, have sadly passed away. They’ve left a lasting impact on the industry, touching millions with their performances. Let’s remember these Nollywood stars who left us in recent months.
Although they’re no longer with us, their on-screen characters continue to inspire. Their contributions are still celebrated, and they’ll always have a special place in the hearts of Nollywood fans.
9 Nollywood actors who died recently
Table of contents
NAME | BIRTH D/M/Y | DEATH D/M/Y |
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe | 30 March 1969 | 9 January 2023 |
Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola (Feyikogbon) | 19 September 1942 | 9 January 2023 |
Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco) | Not revealed | 14 January 2023 |
Favour Agiounim Daniels | 24 March | 5 February 2023 |
Chief Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro) | 15 September 1957 | 7 March 2023 |
Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi) | 16 November 1965 | 7 May 2023 |
Murphy Afolabi | 5 May 1974 | 14 May 2023 |
Adedigba Mukaila | Not revealed | 13 May 2023 |
Chikezie Uwazie | 14 March | 14 May 2023 |
1.Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
First on the list of Nollywood actors who died recently is Peace Anyiam-Osigwe MFR. She is a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive, earned the title “the queen of Nollywood films.” She founded the Africa Movie Academy Awards, a globally renowned film event. The Guardian reported that she led the way in showcasing Nollywood films at international film festivals.
She was born on March 30, 1969, and sadly passed away at the age of 53 on January 9, 2023, after being in a coma since January 7. Peace breathed her last at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos.
2.Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola (Feyikogbon)
Feyikogbon, a Nigerian TV show, first aired on NTA Channel 7, Lagos. It’s one of Nigeria’s longest-running Yoruba language series. In the 1980s, it aired on Sundays on a few NTA channels in Southwestern Nigeria. Yinka Ogundaisi produced a revamped Feyikogbon, which started airing on one of DStv’s Africa Magic channels in 2014.
The actor, born on September 19, 1942, suffered from kidney failure for years and sought public help in 2019. He needed 30 million Naira for overseas kidney failure and hypertension treatment. In a 2014 interview, he mentioned that despite his popular play, he only gained fame, not fortune.
Sadly, after years of battling the ailment, he has passed away at the age of 80.
3. Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)
Femi Ogunrombi, a Nigerian actor and ethnomusicologist, gained fame as Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy movie after Abiodun Ayoyinka left the series. He passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023. His death led to confusion as some media outlets used a picture of the character Richard Abiodun Ayoyinka from the Papa Ajasco series. Ayoyinka cleared up the mistaken identity in a short video.
4. Favour Agiounim Daniels
Favour Daniel, a remarkable skit maker and Nollywood actress, was gaining fame. She starred in many movies and was famous as Amama, Omoge, and Omo. She was 26 years old.
The young woman, known for her social media activities, reportedly died in a boating accident on February 5th, 2023.
5. Chief Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro)
Ojo Arowosafe, also known as Fadeyi Olowo, is on the list of actors who died recently. He was born in Igbara Odo on September 15, 1957.
Fadeyi Olowo played the role of a herbalist and antagonist in the movie industry. He was famous for his impressive Yoruba incantations. Arowosafe became well-known in the 80s and 90s for his unique herbalist character, although he was unfairly labeled as wicked in real life, which wasn’t true.
Fadeyi directed his first movie, “Arelu,” in the late 80s, which propelled him to fame. He went on to act in over 100 more movies before passing away on March 7, 2023, at the age of 66 after battling a long illness.
6. Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi)
Obinna Nwafor, also known as Saint Obi, was a Nigerian actor, film producer, and film director. He gained fame for his roles in movies like Candle Light, State of Emergency, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime, and Last Party.
Obi was born on November 16, 1965 and passed away on May 7, 2023. According to Vanguard, his failed marriage was the cause of his death. A friend named Ejiro disclosed that he couldn’t bear the separation from his family.
“When his marriage fell apart, it profoundly affected him, and he never recovered from the shock until his passing. When a man is estranged from his family, he becomes despondent. No man desires to be in such a situation and find happiness. That significantly contributed to his demise.” Ejiro revealed
7. Murphy Afolabi
Another Nollywood actors who died recently is Murphy. Murphy Afolabi, a beloved figure in Nollywood, was born on May 5, 1974, in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. He worked as an actor and director, holding a diploma in theatre arts, film production, and mass communication. Starting his acting career in the late 1990s, Murphy became famous for his roles in Yoruba-language movies like “Wasila Coded Reloaded” (2022), “Jimi Bendel” (2016), and “One Blood.”
On May 14, 2023, Murphy, a well-known Yoruba actor and filmmaker in Nigeria, passed away, leaving the Nigerian film industry in mourning. His untimely death at the age of 49 resulted from a brain injury.
8. Adedigba Mukaila
The well-known Yoruba movie actor, Sikiru Adeshina, whose real name is Mukaila Adedigba, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The cause of his death remains unknown at this time. Various people in the industry announced his passing.
Sikiru Adeshina’s death is deeply felt in the industry, especially by those who learned from his vast knowledge and experience. His colleagues mourn his loss and reflect on his significant contributions to Nigerian cinema. Adedigba’s legacy lives on through his memorable performances and the lasting impact he made on Nollywood.
9. Chikezie Uwazie
Chikezie, known for his roles in “Super Love” (2003), “Tell Me Why” (2008), and “Schemers: Bad Babes” (2004), died on May 14, 2023, in the USA, adding his name to the list of departed actors.
Uwazie, a prominent star in the early 2000s, moved from Nigeria to the USA more than seven years ago. Sadly, he passed away in the USA after his second brain surgery.
These losses remind us that life is short. Nollywood and its fans grieve for these exceptional actors. Although they won’t appear on our screens anymore, we’ll always remember their talent and charm. As we say goodbye, we honor their contributions to Nigerian cinema and celebrate their legacy.