Several celebrities passed away in 2023 in Nigeria’s entertainment sector, which is well-known for its compelling Afrobeat music and captivating performances in its motion pictures.
This report celebrates their lives and pays tribute to their legacies.
The following performers departed from this life in 2023:
1. Peace Anyiam- Osigwe
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a trailblazing filmmaker, passed away in a Lagos State hospital on Tuesday, January 10.
The Africa Film Academy was established in 2005 by Anyiam-Osigwe, who was also the President of the Association of Movie Producers. The awards event is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious for African filmmakers. She became the Association of Movie Producers’ National President in 2020.
2. Sunday Akanbi Akinola
At the age of 80, veteran actor Sunday Akanbi Akinola passed away on January 9, 2023, from kidney failure. He rose to fame in the 1980s as “Mogaji” in the television series “Feyikogbon,” which aired on NTA channel 7 in southwest Nigeria.
3. Femi Ogunrombi aka Papa Ajasco
On January 14, 2023, Femi Ogunrombi, who portrayed Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, passed away.
In the comic TV show, he played a character who was well-known for his large belly and for banging his head when he said “Ojigbigbigbi.”
4. Favour Daniels
On February 5, 2023, Favour Agiounim Daniels, a Nigerian comedian and actress who rose to fame through her social media skits, died at the age of 26. She is said to have perished in a boat mishap.
5. Ojo Arowosafe
After a lengthy illness, veteran Nollywood actor Ojo Arowosafe, also known as Fadeyi Oloro, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, at the age of 66. Fadeyi Oloro is well-known for his ability to recite Yoruba incantations orally. He became well-known for his role in the late 1980s film “Arelu.” Among other films, he acted in Inubibi, Anike Olufa, and Akoni mefa.
6. Obinna Nwafor
On May 7, 2023, veteran actor and film producer Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, passed away at the age of 57. The actor died following a battle with an unidentified illness. On August 18, 2023, he was laid to rest in Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State, his hometown.
In 2001, he produced his first movie titled, ‘Take Me to Maama’. He also acted in many movies including, ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Sakobi’, ‘Goodbye Tomorrow’, ‘Festival of Fire’, and ‘Heart of Gold’.
7. Adedigba Mukaila
Veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila, best known by his stage name ‘Alafin Oro’, died on May 13, 2023.
8. Murphy Afolabi
Murphy Afolabi, a well-known Yoruba actor and filmmaker, died on May 14, 2023, a few days after turning 49. On Sunday morning, he was reported to have collapsed in his Ikorodu, Lagos, home’s bathroom.
Murphy, who was born on May 5, 1974, started acting at a young age. The actor became well-known after starring in the film “Omo Rapala.”
9. Chikezie Uwazie
According to reports, Nollywood actress Chikezie Uwazie, who also passed away on Sunday, May 14, underwent brain surgery in the US. Colleague Obey Etok shared the news of his passing on her Instagram page.
10. Chris Mba
Chris Mba, a veteran pop artist, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, following a protracted fight with cardiac problems. The artist passed away at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. He was well-known in the 1980s for his jerry curl and tunes including “Funky Situation,” “Baby Don’t Cry,” “Making My Way,” and “Love Everlasting.”
11. Afeez Agoro
After a protracted illness, well-known Nollywood actor Afeez Agoro Oladimeji, who was widely considered to be the tallest man in Nigeria, passed away on June 15. Agoro stood seven feet four inches tall before he died. Wherever the dead, who starred in a few films, went, people would gaze at him because of his intimidating height.
12. Ilerioluwa Aloba
The 27-year-old Nigerian musician Mohbad, also known as Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, passed away on September 12, 2023, under mysterious circumstances. Following his death, footage of the singer being abused and harassed surfaced. Among other popular songs, he was well-known for Feel Good, Peace, Ponmo, Beast and Peace, Sorry, and Ko Por Ke.
13. Cindy Amadi
September 2023 also saw the passing of Nollywood actress Cindy Amadi, best known for her part in the lesbian-themed film “Ife.” On Thursday, September 14, the “Ife” movie producers revealed her passing in a statement posted on their Instagram page.
14. Oluyemi Adeyemi
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi, also referred to as Suara, passed away. He was a seasoned Nollywood actor.
Adeyemi became well-known for his part in the 2001 television series “Super Story,” starring Wale Adenuga.
