The Nollywood community is mourning the loss of popular actor Pope Odonwodo, better known as Junior Pope, who tragically passed away.
According to filmmaker Sam Olatunji, Junior Pope lost his life alongside three others while attempting to cross the River Niger for a movie shoot.
The news of Junior Pope’s death was confirmed by Olatunji on Wednesday, revealing that the actor’s boat capsized during the journey. The entire Nollywood industry is grieving this loss, as Junior Pope’s body, along with the others, has been recovered from the Anam River.
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The sad announcement was made via Instagram, with Olatunji expressing condolences to Junior Pope’s family and friends. Born on May 7, 1984, Junior Pope was only 39 years old at the time of his passing. He leaves behind his wife, Jennifer Awele, and a legacy of kindness and talent in the film industry.
The boat capsized and he, alongside two other yet-to-be-identified actors, drowned. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The Delta State Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emma Onyemeziem, confirmed to Ejes Gist Media that the corpse had been deposited in the morgue.
What a life ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ
R.I.P Junior Pope ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ pic.twitter.com/RYP12FLda2
— 99% OPPRESSED. (@PIDOMNIGERIA) April 11, 2024
Deaths in Nollywood.
The death of Junior Pope is the latest in a string of tragedies that has hit Nollywood this year.
Last month, ace thespians, such as Mr. Ibu and Sisi Quadri passed on.
In January it was Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina. In February it was Ethel Ekpe. She is well known for playing the role of โSegiโ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, โBasi and Companyโ.
For a complete look at the loses of talents suffered by Nollywood this year.
