Ten Nigerian Celebrities That passed Away in 2023

The year 2023 is almost coming to an end and it has been an eventful year for the entertainment industry, However, the death of some renowned celebrities left the industry in pain and fans in shock. From actors to singers and reality TV stars, the industry has witnessed several deaths, which brought grief to the bereaved families and fans. This article contains popular Nigerian celebrities who passed away in the year 2023.

1. Mohbad

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Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba professionally known as MohBad was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter He was born in Ketu, Lagos state, Nigeria. He was formerly signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Records and left the label in 2022. He was best known for his hit songs ”pomo”, KPK[Ko Por Ke], Beast and Peace, Sorry and [You Will Always Be Remembered] with Rexxie which was nominated three times for the Headies Awards in 2022and on 18 September 2023, he ranked number 1 on the Turn Table’s Official Artiste Top 100.

In February 2022, The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency[NDLEA arrested MohBad Zinoleesky and the other four at their home in Lekki, Lagos for possession of illegal substances that include MDMA and Cannabis. but MohBad, Zinoleesky, and the rest were later released. On 12 September 2023, MohBad died at the age of 27 after being treated for an infection by an unlicensed nurse, who was later arrested. Police subsequently announced they would investigate the circumstances of the singer’s death after his body was exhumed on 21 September 2023.

2. Murphy Afolabi

Olalekan Olatunbosun Afolabi known by his stage name Murphy Afolabi was a Nigerian actor, Director, and producer who was born on May 9, 1974, in Osun State, Nigeria. He began his acting career at a young age and rose to prominence for his performance in a movie titled Ifa Olokun, Murphy has appeared in over 60 notable films like Black Out, Owo Wunmi, Osun The Goddes, and many more. He has been nominated for multiple City People movie awards such as  Best Director, Best Producer, and Best Actor.

On May 14 2023 Murphy Afolabi was reported dead in his Newly built house in Lagos, His unexpected death at the age of 49 was caused by brain injury according to online reports. His death has put thousands of people in the industry and fans. His contribution to the industry will always be remembered and his death was a big loss to the Industry at large.

3. Anyiam Osigwe

Peace Anyiam Osigwe was a Nigerian Filmmaker and entertainment executive who was called” the queen of Nollywood films”, who was born on 30 March, in Imo state Nigeria. She was the founder of the globally acclaimed film ceremony, the Africa Movie Academy Awards. She was bestowed a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contribution to the entertainment industry.

On January 7, 2023, Anyiam Osigwe was reported to be dead after her stay at the Saint Nicholas Hospital since Saturday, She died as a result of being in a coma at the age of 53, and her family has confirmed her transition. May the memory of her life be a blessing. Rest in peace.

4. Papa Ajasco

Femi Ogunrombi was a Nigerian actor and ethnomusicologist, who was popularly known as Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s Papa Ajasco and Company comedy movie. Papa Ajasco joined the National Troupe of Nigeria as a music facilitator but later became the director of music and conducted the national Choir in i998. Ogunrombi assumed the comic role of Papa Ajasco at the popular TV comedy program Papa Ajasco and Company in 2006.

On Saturday, 14 January 2023 papa Ajasco was reported dead. His death caused controversy as many media houses were using the picture of the character in the Papa Ajasco series, Richard Abiodun Ayoyinka. The mistaken identity was later clarified by Ayoyinka in a short video clip.

5. Fadeyi Oloro

Ojo Arowosafe was a Nigerian Nollywood veteran actor and filmmaker who was born on 15th September 1956 in Igbara odo Ekiti State, Nigeria. He was popularly known by many as Fadeyi Oloro. He is a household name among Yoruba film lovers for antagonistic roles in movies accompanied by his seamless recitation of chants and incantations.

Fadeyi Oloro’s death was confirmed by actor and comedian Bayegun Oluwatoyin aka Woli Arole who shared the news via his Instagram account saying, Happy I reached out to you sir, so happy we played our part, so happy we laughed together, so happy we were able to show our support. Rest in Peace the Legend ‘Fadeyi Oloro’.The death of the veteran actor still remains a shock to the Industry at large.

6. Mukaila Adedigba

Mukaila Adedigba was a Nigerian Actor and filmmaker who was best known Sikiru Adeshina was well known in the Yoruba Genre. The Nigeria Make-believe the mourning following the demise of veteran Actor, Mukaila Adedigba, who was best known as Sikiru Adeshina. The actor well-known in the Yoruba Genre movies was said to have died earlier on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

The cause of his death is still sketchy at the time of filing this report, but the news of his death was announced by a junior colleague in the industry, Kunle Afod broke the news and made it viral as he took to his social media handle. He wrote;  R.I.P Adedigba, We will surely miss you., We drank from your River of knowledge, we know how, important you are, the sad news this morning really broke my heart @alafinoro1 sun re oo.

7. Saint Obi

Obinna Nwafor was a Nigerian actor, film producer, and film director who was born on 16 November. He was popularly known as Saint Obi, He is known for his roles in ”Take Me to Maama”,” Candle Light”, ” Sakobi”,” Goodbye Tomorrow”,” Heart of Gold”, ”Festival of Fire”, and many more. He ventured into acting in 1996 via a Peugeot television commercial and later starred in over 60 movies.

According to an online report Saint Obi died on Sunday, May 7th, 2023 in the home of his siblings,jos after a prolonged illness, Further details surrounding his death have been kept under wraps. The veteran was aged 57 years and has three kids who he shares with estranged, Linda Amobi. The estranged couple were engaged in a bitter divorce custody battle before his untimely death.

8. Sunday Akinola

Sunday Akinola was a Nigerian Celebrity and TV personality who was born September 27 1942 in Ogun state Nigeria. He was popularly for featuring on most Yoruba series and for his role in the NTA TV series Feyikogbon.

According to an online report Sunday Akinola was reported dead of kidney failure at the age of 80, The thespian hit the limelight in the 1980s and 1990s with his popular weekly sitcom, The Feyikogbon. He has suffered kidney failure for years and sought help from the public in 2019.

9. Favour Daniel

Favour Daniel was a Nigerian comedian who was well known for her social media antics, The young lady who was well known for her skits on social media was said to have passed away after a boat mishap.  According to her Elder sister Elizabeth Daniels revealed that the ugly incident took place on Sunday 5th February,2023.