Though hard to say goodbye to them, here are some celebrities we lost last year (2023).
It is difficult to say goodbye to them but these are some of the celebrities that passed away in 2023:
1. Mohbad.
Losing singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, fondly known as Mohbad, was a huge blow to Nigerians, especially because his passing on September 12, 2023, was highly unexpected. The 27-year-old singer gave us back-to-back hits during his relatively short time in the music industry after his big break. Singing lines from his songs like “Ko pe ke" or "Wetin be this one like this?" would never be far from our mouths.
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His catchy tunes and laid-back personality during interviews would continue to be revered. Even in the ongoing fight for justice over his untimely demise, we continue to remember him for his impact.
2. Adedigba Mukaila.
The Yoruba Nollywood industry also suffered a huge blow when popular actor Adedigba Mukaila, also known as Sikiru Adeshina, died on May 13, 2023. The news of his death was announced by the actor, Kunle Afod on social media. Adedigba was very popular among the fans of Yoruba movies and his passing came as a rude shock, however, he will be fondly remembered for his roles.
3. Femi Ogunrombi, (Papa Ajasco).
Our childhoods would have never been the same without tapping our heads and saying "Oh Jibijibijibi" like Papa Ajasco used to. Last year, we also said goodbye to Femi Ogunrombi, who played Papa Ajasco; he died in January 2023, and his passing was announced by Shaibu Husseini, a theatre practitioner and journalist, in a tweet.
4. Don Brymo Uchegbu.
Legendary actor Don Brymo Uchegbu, best known for his roles as a royal in movies, died after he slumped while shooting a film in Ahoada, Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. He suffered a stroke from high blood pressure and passed away after being rushed to the hospital.
5. Murphy Afolabi.
Speaking of loved Yoruba actors who passed away, we cannot forget Murphy Afolabi and his timeless acting. He poured his heart and soul into his roles and his passing came as a shock as well.
Afolabi passed away on May 14, 2023, within the same time frame as Adedigba Mukaila and Saint Obi, further compounding Nollywood's loss at the time. Afolabi’s colleagues, fans, and loved ones were thrown into mourning after his death was announced
6. Cynthia Okereke.
Nollywood lost influential actress Cynthia Okereke this year, as announced by her colleague Joseph Okechukwu. She was 63 years old when she died and will be remembered for her iconic roles in movies over the years, especially in the ever-funny Osuofia in London. She also starred in movies such as Reggae Boys, Nwando, the iconic movie A Fool at 40, and Katakata, amongst many others. Okereke’s death came as a shock to many, and even though she will be missed, we seek solace in the legacy she left behind.
7. Saint Obi.
Famous Nollywood actor and film director, Obinna Nwafor, fondly known as Saint Obi, died at the age of 57 on May 6, 2023, after a prolonged battle with an illness. The Nollywood star passed away in his sister's home in Jos, Plateau State capital. The iconic actor was revered among his fans and stood out in Nollywood, providing hits upon hits for years.
8. Chief Ojo Arowosafe, (Fadeyi Oloro).
We also lost another veteran Nollywood actor, Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, last year. He died on March 7, 2023, after a protracted illness at age 66. The sad news was announced by the actor and comedian, Bayegun Oluwatoyin aka Woli Arole, via his Instagram account.
9. Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, (Suara).
Pa Yemi Adeyemi, aka, Suara, also passed away this year. The news was announced by his son, Adetoun Adeyemi, in an official statement on September 25. His impactful career will be remembered, most especially his iconic role as Saura in the popular old series Super Story: Oh Father! Oh Daughter where he played a polygamist with popular actresses Bukky Wright and Sola Sobowale as his first and second wives respectively.
10. Usman Pategi, (Samantha).
We also lost Kannywood legend Usman Pategi, who became popular playing Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series titled Samanja back in the 80s. He was born May 20, 1942 and died in November 2023, making him 81 years old when he passed. The news of his death was announced by a theatre consultant named Husseini Shaibu via his Facebook page, though the cause of his death was not announced.
11. Cindy Amadi.
Nigerian actress, Cindy Amadi, who is known for her role as Adaora in the controversial lesbian-themed movie titled Ife, died on September 14. The news was confirmed by the producers of the movie in a statement on their Instagram page, expressing their deep sorrow.
Amadi was a talented actress who brought her magic to the set, forever changing the lives of those she worked with.
12. Dejumo Lewis.
Dejumo Lewis was a Nigerian film and television actor, famous for the Kabiyesi role in The Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera shown on NTA from 1968 to 1988.
He was born in 1943 in Ekiti, south western Nigeria. Dejumo had his primary education at the Holy Cross Primary School in Lagos Island.
He later did his secondary education at St.Gregory’s College, Lagos.
Dejumo changed his mind and went to junior seminary to become a Priest at St Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary in Ibadan.
He eventually abandoned the priesthood idea and went for his Master’s degree at the University of Ibadan to study Communication Arts.
He was pronounced dead yesterday, December 23 by his junior colleague, Saheed Balogun, who took to his Instagram page. He died at the age of 80.
13. Afeez Agoro.
Popular Nollywood actor widely regarded as the tallest man in Nigeria, Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, passed away on June 15 after a prolonged illness, Acromegaly, commonly known as gigantism. 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.
The 48-year-old actor was born in Sabo Yaba, Lagos State, as the last child of three children for his mother who was the second wife of his late father.
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