The movie industry has recorded a lot of deaths this year. Many came as a rude shock to many while some were not because some of the movie stars had been on the sickbed treating various ailments before their untimely death. The year started with colleagues and fans mourning stars like Jennifer Omole, Toyosi Arigbabuwo, Frank Dallas, Pa Kasumu, Gbenga Ajumoko, Alkali Matt who passed on at the early part of the year 2020. Just when we thought it’s over the industry lost over 10 popular stars within 5 months again.
Popular actress Emilia Dikeh reportedly slumped and died in Enugu in May 20th and popular Movie Director Okechukwu Oku shared the sad news on social media. According to his tribute, he said: “why is death taking the best people I am confused ooo. Just filmed with Mama here on my 2 last projects excited to release it and this horrible news today. A woman with a heart of gold. Aaaaa! Nooo, I will miss you Mrs Dikeh. Nollywood has lost a gem in you. The industry also lost another fantastic actress cum presenter Chizoba Boye the wife of veteran film maker Sam Boye.
Before her death she was a regular face on popular mnet series Tinsel. She was also one of the pioneers of the movie industry featuring in movies such as Living In Bondage and series like checkmate. She was a strong advocate for Nollywood Igbo and also present Igbo comedy program ka anyi si ebi. She produce different series while her husband directs it.
Veteran actor Gbolagade Akinpelu aka Ogun Majek died on June 25th at Imalenfalafia residence in Ibadan. Few months before his death he sought for financial assistance from well meaning Nigerians to seek medical care for his ailment
Yomi Obileye was popular for his role in Tade Ogidan’s movie titled Hostages and also series Palace. He is often mistaken for his older brother Taiwo Obileye who is famous for the movie Chiefdaddy.
Popular standup comedian Gbenga Adeyinka shared the news of his death on social media.
Also on June 23rd veteran actress Bose Adewoyin aka Mama Tinubu died and she was buried on the same day. The cause of her death was not disclosed. Friends and colleagues took to social media to mourn her.
Promising young actor cum Fuji act Yusuf Ojewale popularly known as Satia also died on 21st July .
Star actor Kunle Afod shared the news on his page before his death. He was popular for his roles in lots of Yoruba movies especially the movie titled Pampam and the cause of his death is yet to be known
Prince Femi Oyewunmi popularly known as laditi also passed on at age 58years and the news of his death was shared by his younger brother Prince Kehinde Adegoke Oyewunmi. Before his death he featured in lots of Yoruba movies.
The news about the death of veteran actor Babalegba was shared on social media by the late Baba Sala’s son Adejumo Emmanuel. According to him the deceased was in an unhealthy state for a while but finally kicked the bucket on the 7th of September at his residence in Abeokuta Ogun state.
Veteran actress Louisa Nwobodo passed on, on the 13th September, this was after she slumped in her car at St mulumbas Catholic Church new Haven in Enugu. All efforts to revive her proved futile as she was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. She died at age 78 years.
Within the same week we lost another veteran actor Jimoh Aliu. The actor, producer cum singer popularly known as Aworo died at age 81years after undisclosed illness. He began acting in 1959, joined the late Hubert Ogunde group then left and formed his group in 1966 and discovered a lot of Yoruba movie stars.
