22nd December, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
As the year 2023 winds to a close, the Nollywood industry has had to mourn several unpalatable events, losing 19 of its finest actors and actresses to the cold hand of death. They took their bundles of talents into the grave and will never been seen again. The mourning has been unabated in the industry as popular faces are being snatched away by the chill hands of death.
Below are 19 prominent Nollywood stars who died in 2023:
1. Peace Anyiam- Osigwe
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe died at the St Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on the 9th of January, 2023 at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack which led to a 2-day coma.
Anyim-Osigwe, who was a native of Imo state was a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive. He was also known by her moniker “queen of nollywood films” and was the founder of the globally acclaimed film ceremony African Movie Academy Awards which she started in Yenagoa, Bayela State on the 30th of May, 2005.
She was also notable for the screening of Nollywood films at International Film Festivals and was bestowed by the Nigerian government a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for her contribution to the entertainment industry.
2. Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola ( Feyikogbon)
Ace Veteran actor Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola who became popular for his role as “mogaji “ in the series “ Feyikogbon “which aired on NTA channel 7 in the southwestern Nigeria in the 1980’s, died on the 9th of January, 2023 of Kidney failure at the age of 80.
Prior to his death, the actor had solicited for help from the public in 2019 for financial assistance to treat the illness, saying that his role in the series had only given him fame without finance.
3. Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)
Femi Ogunrombi who played the role of Papa Ajasco, a character known for his portly belly and hitting his head while saying “Ojigbigbigbi” in the TV comedy series Papa Ajasco and company by Wale Adenuga Production died on the 14th of January, 2023.
Femi Ogunrombi was a native of Abeokuta in Ogun State. He rose to fame after taking over the character of Papa Ajasco in 2005 when Mr Abiodun Ayoyinka pulled out of the show. He was a member of the National Troupe of Nigeria in 1994 and worked as the director of Nigerian National Music and conducted National Choir in 1998. He was also the director of studies at the Pencil Film and Television Center in Lagos.
4. Favour Agiounim Daniels
The young comedienne and actress popularly known as ‘Omoge,’ ‘Oma” and ‘Amama’ who had gained popularity through her skits on social media passed away after a boating accident on the 5th of February, 2023 at the age of 26.
It was indeed a sad day for the industry as many experienced disbelief and shock at the news.
5. Chief Ojo Arowosafe ( Fadeyi Oloro)
The actors whose death was announced by his daughter Fasunwon Oluwafunke, passed on Tuesday the 7th of March 2023 at the age of 66 after battling a terminal disease for years. He was a native of Igbara Odo in Ekiti state.
Popularly known for his oratory skills in reciting Yoruba incantations, he rose to fame after acting the movie ‘Arelu’ in the late 80’s.
He also acted in movies like Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni Mefa, among others.
6. Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi)
Veteran actor and movie producer Obinna Nwafor also known as Saint Obi passed on at the age of 57 after a protracted illness. He died in May, 2023.
It was disclosed that the actor had died early in the week after battling an undisclosed illness for several months with no successful treatment although the family chose not to announce his death for reasons not yet ascertained.
The actor had battled an undisclosed ailment for sometime and was reported to have relocated to Jos, the Plateau State capital for further treatment of the ailment that had kept him in and out of the hospital for over two years.
He acted in movies like Heartless, Take me to Mama, Festival of fire, among others.
7. Murphy Afolabi
Popular Yoruba Yoruba, Murphy Afolabi died on the 14th of May, 2023 after a tragic fall from his bathroom in his home in Ikorodu area of Lagos.
The actor had just celebrated his 49th birthday before his tragic death.
Born on May 5, 1974, Afolabi got into the movie industry in 2001. Prior to that, he had studied Theatre Arts and Film Production at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. He appeared in over 60 movies before his death, including ‘Ifa Olokun’, ‘Omowunmi’, ‘Jimi Bendel’, ‘Wasila Coded’, ‘Olokiki Oru’, and ‘Idera’
8. Adedigba Mukaila
Among the notable personalities who died this year is Veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila, known for his stage name ‘Alafin Oro’. He died on the 13th of May, 2023.
His death was announced by fellow actor Kunle Afod , on his social media page.
He wrote; “Another library is burnt down today. A great philosopher, an icon with so much Yoruba knowledge, a lover of God @alafinoro1. You departed this sinful world in early hour of today, May your gentle soul rest in peace.”
9. Chikezie Uwazie
The death of Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie was announced on 15 May, 2023. He died in the United States after undergoing brain surgery.
His death was announced by colleague, Obey Etok, via her Instagram page on Sunday.
She wrote, “I can’t imagine I’m posting this. Chikezie Uwazie gone. After a 2nd brain surgery. Gini na emezi. I’m so shocked to get this news this evening. Just got this from our IMSU alumni platform.
“I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back but I didn’t see you.
“I can’t believe you are gone but God knows best. Rest on Chyko.”
10. Afeez Agoro
Popular Nollywood actor widely regarded as the tallest man in Nigeria, Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, passed away on June 14 after a prolonged illness.
Before his demise, Agoro was 7ft 4in tall. The intimidating height of the deceased, who was featured in some movies, attracted stares wherever he went.
11. Don Brymo
Mr Brymo Uchegbu, a Nollywood actor who is popularly known as Don Brymo, died on 15 June 2023. He died in his sleep.
Don Brymo, who hails from Anambra State, was born in 1966.
He was one of the most sought after Nigerian actor. He had proven his versatility at interpreting any role given to him.
He has starred in over 80 Nollywood movies such as; My Beloved Daughter, Snake battle, Land of Fire, No Mercy, My God Never Sleeps and so on.
12. Iyabo Oko
Veteran Nollywood actress, Sidikat Odunkanwi professionally known as Iyabo Oko, died on 28 June, 2023.
Before her demise, the 61-year-old actress battled with ill-health which caused her to take a long break from the movie scene
She was born on the 15th of November 1960 in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State.
Sidikat had stage names such as “Iyabo Oko” “Apoti Aje” Sisi Mama”.
Last year, one of her daughters, Olamide, disclosed that her mother was diagnosed with ischaemic stroke about five years ago but kept her health issues away from the public.
Yoruba Nollywood stars including Foluke Daramola, Iyabo Ojo, Bolaji Amusan, Mercy Aigbe and Biodun Okeowo, others assisted financially in the past.
13. Musiliu Ajikanle
After enduring a strenuous seven-year battle with a stroke, the veteran movie actor Musiliu Ajikanle died on 31 July, 2023 at the age of 67.
He devoted a significant portion of his life to producing high-calibre Yoruba films. He was more than a performer. He was a lifelong advocate for the development and improvement of young people and a prime source of orientation.
14. Cindy Amadi
The tragic loss of Cindy Amadi, a talented 26-year-old actress known for her role in the popular movie ‘Ife,’ stunned the industry. Her untimely demise was announced on September 14, 2023 by Nigerian movie producers via social media.
Cindy Amadi made her mark in the film industry by co-starring in the groundbreaking film “Ife.” In this remarkable project, she shared the screen with MTV Shuga’s Uzomaka Aniunoh.
The film, a powerful portrayal of a same-sex love story, was directed by Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim, the sister of renowned actress Nse Ikpe-Etim. Cindy’s involvement in this project showcased her dedication to taking on diverse and meaningful roles in the world of cinema.
15. Pat Nebo
Renowned as a production designer and art director, Pat Nebo left an indelible mark with his work in films such as “October 1,” “Being Mrs Elliot,” and “Okafor’s Law.” His demise on September 14, 2023, came after a prolonged battle with illness.
16. Hakeem Alamutu “Eba”
Veteran actor Hakeem Alamutu, widely known as Eba, at 63 after a prolonged illness. Also, images of him in a state of sickness circulated widely throughout his health struggle.
He had acted in movies such as Abara Meji, Oluwo, Oluwo 3, Irawo Agbaye, Onise Wokaholic,
17. Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi “Suara”
A revered veteran actor known for his iconic role in the popular series “Super Story” back in 2001, Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi, fondly addressed as Suara, passed away on 24 September, 2023.
Suara was born in the late 1940s – approximately 1948 making him 75 years of age at the time of his death. The veteran actor Suara had eight children from three different women throughout his life.
18. Natty Bruce Idigbogu
Nollywood martial arts actor, director and producer Natty Bruce Idigbogu, died at the age of 57 on 6 November, 2023. He peacefully died in his sleep after battling a prolonged illness.
19. Usman Baba Pategi “Samanja”
The industry faced yet another loss with the passing of veteran Hausa actor Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja, at the age of 84. He breathed his last in the early hours of November 12, 2023, in a private hospital in Kaduna State after a prolonged illness.