The Nigerian film industry has been severely impacted by tragic losses in less than five months into the year 2023.
The industry has lost some of its most renowned practitioners at a time he year is just approaching its first half.
Nollywood has been shocked by the news of the deaths of some of its prolific talents.
TCN chronicles the big names who have departed a little too early while condoling with this vibrant film industry:
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was a Nigerian filmmaker and an executive in the entertainment. She founded the African Movies Academy Awards (AMAA). She was regarded as the “Queen of Nollywood films” due to her outstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Late Anyiam-Osigwe passed away on the 10th of January 2023, after she was rushed to the hospital for an ailment.
Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)
On January 14, 2023, news broke of the death of actor and former music director of the National Troupe of Nigeria. An ethnomusicologist, he was popularly known for his role as ‘Papa Ajasco’ in Wale Adenuga’s TV series ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’, after Abiodun Ayoyinka pulled out of the comedic series. Until his death, he was director of studies at PEFTI Film Institute in Lagos.
Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro)
Veteran actor, Ojo Arowosafe, professionally known to fans of Yoruba movies as Fadeyi Oloro, passed away on March 7, 2023.
Fadeyi Oloro styled himself to appear on screen with his face painted black and mostly playing villainous roles in movies.
Arowosafe passed away at the age of 66 after battling a terminal disease for years.
Sunday Akanbi Akinola
Veteran Yoruba actor, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, professionally known as Baba Feyikogbon died after suffering kidney failure. He was 80 years old at the time of his demise. He came to the limelight in the 1980s and 1990s with his popular weekly sitcom, the Feyikogbon series.
The actor reportedly suffered kidney failure for years and had sought assistance from the public in 2019. Akinola died at a time he said he needed N30 million to travel abroad to treat kidney failure and hypertension.
Saint Obi
Veteran Nollywood actor, Saint Obi whose real name is Obinna Nwafor, was a force to reckon with in Nollywood during the 1990s and early 2000s.
With over 60 movie roles to his credit, ventured into acting in 1996 through a Peugeot television commercial. He is known for his roles in ‘Candle Light’, ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Heart of Gold’, and a host of other movies.
He died on May 7, 2023 in Jos, Plateau State after a protracted illness.
Murphy Afolabi
The news of the death of Murphy Afolabi sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry on May 14, 2023. The actor was a well-known face in the Yoruba film industry, having starred in several movies over the years. He was also a producer and director.
He was 49 years old at the time of his passing.
Ademola Adeyemo
The Yoruba arm of Nollywood, again, mourned the loss of Ademola Adeyemo, popularly known as Baba Igbomina on May 22, 2023.
Adeyemo was widely recognised for his contributions to Nollywood, particularly in the Yoruba film industry.
He reportedly battled with three ailments (damage in his lung, liver and kidney) in 2021.
