The Nigerian entertainment industry experienced both triumphs and tribulations in 2023, with the passing of some of its most luminous stars casting a shadow over the year. Though these actors, singers, movie stars, art directors, and producers are no longer with us, their memories will endure through the lasting impressions they've left behind.
Here's a look at some of the Yoruba Nollywood actors who passed away recently:
Notable Passings in 2023
- Murphy Afolabi: Died on May 14, 2023, shortly after his 49th birthday. He was a significant figure in the Yoruba Nollywood scene, having appeared in over 100 films.
- Sidikat Odunkanwi (Iyabo Oko): The Nollywood actress passed away on June 28, 2023, at the age of 61. She had been battling an undisclosed illness, which had caused her to take a break from acting.
- Ogunrombi: Passed away on January 14, 2023. The actor briefly played the titular character of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series.
- Okereke: The 63-year-old Nollywood actress passed away on July 11, 2023, after a brief illness, according to Emma Onyemeziem, chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Delta State Chapter). Okereke was known for her comic roles in movies alongside colleagues like Nkem Owoh.
- Alafin Oro: The Nollywood thespian, known by his stage name Alafin Oro, passed away on May 13, 2023. He was a popular figure in Yoruba Nollywood, known for his roles as a traditionalist. Before his death, the veteran film star, who rocked the late 90s and early 2000s, took a break from acting, with fans pining to have him on their screens again.
- Saint Obi: Unfortunately, Saint Obi bade the world goodbye on May 7, 2023, after battling an undisclosed illness. Over the course of his career, he starred in over 60 Nollywood movies and produced his first movie, Take Me to Maama, in 2001.
- Lewis: The veteran Nollywood actor passed away on December 23 at 80. Lewis was one of the leading figures in the movie industry who ruled the airwaves in the 1960s, and managed to crossover into modern day cinema. He was famous for his role as Kabiyesi in The Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera (1968-1988) which aired on NTA.
- Fadeyi Oloro: Popularly known by his fans and supporters as Fadeyi Oloro, the Nollywood actor died on March 7, 2023, aged 66. His daughter, Fasunwon Oluwafunke, broke the news of the actor’s death following a protracted battle with a terminal disease. He was loved by many for his iconic roles in Yoruba movies as a traditional warlord or herbalist.
- Chief Alhaji Musadshir Ayobami Olabiyi ‘Bobo B’: Until his death, Olabiyi was the national secretary of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
These actors were more than just performers; they were storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and sources of inspiration for many. Their work has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian film industry and the hearts of their fans.
100 Famous Nollywood Actors Who Died in Each Year (2010 - 2024)
Other Notable Figures
Beyond actors, the industry also mourned the loss of other significant figures:
- Peace Anyam Osigwe: Died at St Nicholas Hospital (Lagos) on January 9, 2023, following a heart attack. Although not a movie star, she was a leading woman in Nigerian cinema who was known for her stellar work with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA).
- Nebo: Nebo was not an actor, but he was an important figure behind the scenes, bringing some of the industry’s most iconic productions to life through his work as an art director and production designer. He was the production designer on October 1, Being Mrs Elliot and Okafor’s Law.
These individuals, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, contributed immensely to the growth and vibrancy of Nollywood.
Read also: Decoding "Oloribu Omo Ofo Yoruba"
Earlier Losses in Nollywood
The Nigerian film industry has also mourned the loss of other talented actors in recent years. Here are a few notable examples:
| Actor | Notable Movies | Year of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Pete Eneh | Issakaba, Perfect Temptation, Royal Palace | 2012 |
| Prince James Uche | Igodo, Lost Kingdoms, Coronation | 2017 |
| David Ihesie | 2 Rats, Things Fall Apart, Goddess of The Sun | 2012 |
| Ashley Nwosu | Regrets of Life, Tears in my Eyes, Outkast | 2011 |
| Geraldine Ekeocha | After My Heart, The Plain Truth, 7 Graves | 2011 |
| Enebeli Elebuwa | Heart of a Fighter, Against my Blood, Abuja Connections | 2012 |
| Clem Onyeka | Sorrowful Kingdom, Widow's Testimony | 2014 |
| JT Tom West | State of Emergency, Labistar, Above The Law | 2006 |
| Sam Loco Efe | Alice My First Lady, Osoufia and the Wise Men, Slow Motion | 2011 |
| Aisha Abimbola | Omoge Campus | 2018 |
| Obi Madubogwu | Karashika, The Champ, Passion of My Blood | 2017 |
| Olumide Bakare | Koko Close | 2017 |
| Justus Esiri | Wasted Years, Forever, The Prize | 2013 |
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