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Tribute To Nigerian Celebrities Who Passed On In 2024

2024 brought profound losses to the Nigerian entertainment industry as it bid farewell to several iconic figures who left an indelible mark on us. From veteran actors whose artistry shaped the industry to beloved singers and stars who captured the hearts of audiences, these individuals are remembered for their talent, passion, and lasting legacies.

John Okafor (Mr. Ibu)

Beloved Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, passed away at 62 on March 2, 2024. Known for his comedic brilliance, his death followed a series of health challenges, including hospitalization and the amputation of a leg​.

Junior Pope

One of the most shocking celebrity deaths this year was that of actor Junior Pope who sadly passed away after drowning in a boat accident in April. The accident happened mere hours after he posted the video of himself on a boat without a lifejacket in Asaba, on the way to a movie set. The news came as a huge shock to Nigerians and confusion followed until the news was sadly confirmed. His wife and three children survive him.

Onyeka Onwenu

Another celebrity who died in 2024 was veteran singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu. She reportedly slumped following a performance at Stella Okoli’s birthday party on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, and was then rushed to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, unfortunately, she didn’t make it. She was 72 years old.

Charles Olumo (Agbako)

Nollywood veteran Charles Olumo died at age 101 in October 2024 and the news was announced by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, via his Instagram account on October 31, 2024.

Deji Aderemi (Olofa Ina)

Veteran Yoruba actor, Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 73. He was a revered figure in the industry, known for his impactful roles in Yoruba films. Aderemi succumbed to cancer after battling the illness​Ethel EkpeThe veteran actress best known for her role in the classic NTA sitcom Basi and Company died on February 7, 2024, in Lagos. Ekpe had been battling cancer for a long time and was celebrated for her iconic performances​.

Sisi Quadri
Yoruba Nollywood actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, famously called Sisi Quadri, passed away on March 1, 2024, at just 44 years old. Known for his comedic talent, his death came as a shock to fans and colleagues​

Amaechi Muonagor
A veteran known for his roles in films such as Aki and Paw Paw, Amaechi Muonagor passed away on March 24, 2024. He battled kidney disease for a long time and sought financial assistance shortly before his passing​.

Adejumoke Aderounmu
Popular for her role as Esther in Jenifa’s Diary, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu died on March 7, 2024. Her passing shocked fans, as she was celebrated for her vibrant contributions to Nollywood​

Zulu Adigwu
Veteran actor Zulu Adigwu died on April 23, 2024. Known for his versatility and dedication to Nollywood, his death marked a significant loss to the film industry​

Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe)
Veteran actor and director Dayo Adewunmi, famously known as Sule Suebebe, passed away on June 12, 2024. A notable figure in the Yoruba film industry, his comedic talent and unique style made him beloved among fans​

Stella Ikwuegbu
Actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling leg cancer. She was known for her impactful roles and her dedication to Nollywood​.

Ganiyu Oyeyemi (Ogunjimi)
Veteran Yoruba actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly called Ogunjimi, passed away on April 26, 2024. To this day, his contributions to Yoruba films and theater are celebrated by his peers and fans alike​

Jimi Solanke
Nollywood veteran Jimi Solanke also passed away this year at age 81 after a brief battle with an illness. He was said to have passed away on February 5, 2024, while being transported from his rural home in Ipara Remo, Remo North Local Government Area, Ogun State, to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan. Reports also stated that Solanke had been in and out of the hospital between December 2023 to February 2024 before passing away.

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Celebs

Chimamanda Adichie announces the birth of her twins at 47

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the multi-award-winning Nigerian author has announced the birth of her twins with husband, Ivara Esege.

She made the good news known during her interview with The Guardian where she also spoke about her new book, Dream Count, cancel culture, and other topics.

The 47-year-old author revealed that she welcomed her twins months ago but kept the news private because she wanted to protect her children.

Chimamanda disclosed that many didn’t know she got married in 2009, noting further that Nigerians are nosy people, making her hesitant to talk about her family.

Addressing the interviewer, Charlotte Edwardes, Chimamanda said, “You’ve met my babies. I want to protect my children. I’m OK with mentioning them, but I don’t want the piece to become about them.

“So, here’s the thing, Nigerians are nosy, they want to know about your personal life. Because of that, I am resistant. I very rarely talk about it.

The mother of three, also spoke about cancel culture as she reflected on the massive backlash she received for her remarks about trans women in 2017. For the remarks, her career took a huge blow.

She had been asked during the 2017 interview whether a transgender woman was “any less of a real woman”. Her response was, “A trans woman is a trans woman”.

However, speaking about cancel culture in her latest interview, Chimamanda described it as bad, saying it should be stopped.

“What do I want to say about cancel culture? Cancel culture is bad. We should stop it. End of story”.

Chimamanda is married to Ivara Esege, a Nigerian doctor. The lovebirds tied the knot in 2009 and welcomed their first daughter in 2016.

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Celebs

Nedu Steps Aside From The Honest Bunch Podcast Amidst Sex-For-Roles Controversy

After finding himself in the heart of recent controversy, Nigerian media personality Nedu Wazobia has resigned from the popular podcast ‘The Honest Bunch.’

In a statement shared on Instagram on February 14, 2025, Nedu said hosting the podcast had been a great experience, but the recent constant scrutiny and false accusations had become too much for him.

He wrote, “The past week has brought a lot into perspective for me. Hosting The Honest Bunch Podcast has been an incredible journey—one built on open conversations, bold perspectives, and the willingness to tackle difficult topics. But with that responsibility has come an overwhelming level of scrutiny, antagonism, and unfounded accusations that have now begun to take a personal toll.”

He explained that stepping down was a tough choice but necessary for his peace of mind and the future of the show

In light of recent events, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast. This is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe is necessary—for my peace of mind, for my family, and for the integrity of the show itself. I have always been committed to honest conversations, but when those conversations lead to relentless attacks and misrepresentation, it becomes clear that stepping back is the best path forward.

I sincerely hope this decision brings an end to the negativity surrounding my name and allows The Honest Bunch Podcast to continue thriving.

His resignation comes amid controversy stirred by social media critic Martins Ortse, aka VeryDarkMan, who accused him of demanding sex for movie roles from a female content creator, Jojo.

VeryDarkMan made the claim amid his ongoing face-off with stand-up comedian, Deeone who had claimed to have evidence that VeryDarkMan was gay during a recent appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast, Deeone.

VeryDarkMan then threatened to release the names of all celebrities Nedu had allegedly slept with in exchange for roles.

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Celebs

TuBaba Proposes To Edo Lawmaker Natasha Osawaru

Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, better known as Tuface, has proposed marriage to the Deputy Majority Leader of Edo state House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru.

Natasha is the granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion.

In a viral video on Thursday, the visibly excited Tuface shared a warm hug with the lawmaker, sprayed money on her and they both danced before he brought out a ring to put on her finger while friends and well-wishers who were around cheered on.

This comes just a day after the singer set social media agog with a video on Instagram confirming his romantic relationship with the Edo State lawmaker.

His confirmation of the relationship with Natasha followed an earlier announcement of separation from his wife, Annie.

While fans kept speculating about 2baba’s relationship with the Edo Lawmaker, the singer appeared at the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday.

However, in the video he posted early Wednesday morning, the singer set the record straight by stating his intention to marry the lawmaker.

He also stated that his relationship with the lawmaker has nothing to do with the marital tension between him and Annie.

He said: “I said what I said. All of us will be alright… Honourable Natasha, I see she has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names. She has been labelled as a home breaker. She is a young, brilliant and amazing woman.

“She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie. But I see everybody trying to want to rope her into everything allegedly. Yes, I love her. She is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her.”

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