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 illnessEthel 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.
Imisi crowned WINNER of Big Brother Naija Season 10! Bags ₦150 Million
After 10 weeks of 29 housemates supplying viewers with unlimited drama, fun, controversies, emotions, evictions, and one disqualification, Imisi has been declared the winner of the 10th season of the Big Brother Naija reality show. Considered one of the strongest contenders for the Big Brother Naija 10/10 edition, Imisi’s win is a testament to her popularity among viewers who were endeared to her relatable personality.
As the winner of the 10th season of Big Brother Naija, Imisi will be going home with a whopping ₦150 million, among other prizes she won during her 10 weeks in the house. Opeyemi Ayanwale Imisioluwa, the 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo state, made a name for herself on the show as a housemate who thrives on challenges, seeks excitement, and embraces every opportunity to show her depth.
Imisi stole the hearts of millions with her unfiltered charm, radiant energy, and that unmistakable “real girl” appeal that glued fans to their screens.
Dubbed the Queen of Vibes, Imisi defied the odds in a season packed with drama, betrayals, and fierce rivalries. While others plotted and schemed, she stayed true to herself, and it paid off BIG time.
Her loyal army of supporters, proudly known as the Imistars, went all out, flooding the internet with love and votes.
Even when critics mocked her “Sapa” strategy and street-smart antics, Imisi turned the tables with laughter, light, and pure charisma. She proved that simplicity is indeed the ultimate sophistication.
Now ₦150 million richer, the People’s Champ is ready to take her good vibes global, with big plans in comedy, brand endorsements, and content creation.
Imisi becomes the fourth woman to win the popular reality show. Fans will be expecting her to go on to pursue her dreams of being a famous fashion designer and screen star.
Paul Okoye vows legal action over defamatory allegations by X user
Nigerian music star, Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy of P-Square, has threatened legal action against a social media user who accused him of misconduct involving a domestic staff.
The controversy began after photos from the 25th birthday celebration of Rudeboy’s wife, Ivy Ifeoma, made the rounds on X (formerly Twitter).
An X user, @Zoyabloms, who identified as ‘Evil Feminist,’ mocked the couple’s age difference, while another user, @darkskinnedtemi, also identifying as a feminist, escalated the conversation with damaging claims.
The X user suggested cheating allegations on Rudeboy with his housemaid.
One account, identified as @chubbiedivah, alleged that the singer coerced their household help, suggesting she was underage at the time, further claiming he expelled his then-wife and sister-in-law after being confronted.
The post quickly caught the attention of Rudeboy’s fans, who drew his attention to it.
In a swift reaction, the “Reason With Me” hitmaker vowed to track down the user and hold them accountable.
He wrote, “I hardly reply, but you see this one @chubbiedivah, if you like go private or leave X, I will find you, I will use every necessary means, power, resources and money.
“You will face the law, I will use you to set an example, a scapegoat. Your only way out is to leave the surface of this earth and relocate to space. To everyone that brought my attention to her tweet, thank you.”
Following his response, the user in question deactivated both her X and Instagram accounts, seemingly in an attempt to avoid further fallout.
Single mothers can’t raise boys properly – Jim Iyke
Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has stirred a bit of controversy after sharing his opinion about single mothers, stating that they cannot raise boys properly. He declared, “A woman can’t raise a man, they’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise men properly.”
You need a man that you trust, and there has to be a male presence because women are naturally built to nurture, to love. If you’re going to raise a man, he’s going to be everything like that man who left you. You need someone who would discipline him and teach him how to grind.
Recalling an incident while on holiday in France with his son, the actor shared how he handled a situation where his son was bullied during a football game.
I was at a beach at the side of France once with my son. He was playing with a bunch of kids and I think he got tired. He’s a terrible football player so they dribbled the hell out of him and took his ball. When he came back to me crying, I didn’t even act like I knew him and I told him to be a man. One of the mothers of the sons stepped aside to watch how I handled him. This is why you need a man.
His comments have since sparked mixed reactions, with many arguing that single mothers are fully capable of raising well-rounded men.
See reactions below:
Women in general don suffer shaaaa. Every eke market day, women this, women that.
Lost my dad at Age 11- my mother raised my siblings and I! The farthest thing I’m from is a weak man, if I tell you what I have been through in this life and what I have achieved, someone who has their both parents fit craze if them go through half. Single mothers raise weak men! Mumu talk!
Don’t repeat that, my grandma raised five sons and they’re all handsome, successful, and lovely men – a true testament to her parenting!
It’s not that a mother can’t raise a boy; she absolutely can. But every boy still needs a man’s input at some point in his life. I was raised by my mum and I turned out strong, but I can also recognise there were certain touches and lessons I missed, the kind that usually come from a father. That balance matters.
Recall that Jim Iyke, in a recent interview, described modern feminism as a crime. The 48-year-old also addressed the “double standards” he believes is the bane of the movement, affirming his strong disapproval of what he thinks it is: a two-faced approach to gender dynamics.
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