Grim 2021: These top Nigerian personalities died in ten days

2021 has come with its own bag of surprises and while many expected it to be mostly positive news, the contrary is happening.

Over the past 10 days, death laid its icy hands on some of Nigeria's prominent personalities with most of them dying as a result of complications from the novel coronavirus.

Three of them died within the first four days while the others died days later.

The irreplaceable loss has awakened many to the dangers of the disease the country is grappling with.

In this article, we take a look at some top Nigerian personalities who have died in 2021.

Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe

Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

While he was alive, Prof. Ibidapo-Obe won several awards for his dedication to academic research like the University of Waterloo Post Doctoral Distinction Award Fellow (1976). He was also a fellow of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada (1977–1979).

He died through complications from the novel coronavirus at the age of 71.



Prof. Duro Ajeyalemi

Professor Duro Ajeyalemi, a lecturer in the Department of Science Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) also passed on due to complications from the novel coronavirus.

His works won the admiration of many as he was among the workers presented with long service awards in 2019.



Otunba Eddie Aderinokun

The talented writer, journalist, and culture patron died after a brief illness at 80.

He had more than 60 years of vibrant journalism practice, which saw him rise to the editorship of the then reputable Daily Express Newspaper. He contributed to literature through books, particularly on poetry.



Folake Aremu

The demise of the talented actress, Folake Aremu put many Nigerians in a state of shock.

Her death was confirmed by the President of the Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan.

She died at age 60.



Jim Lawson Maduike

The veteran Nollywood actor passed on after reportedly complaining of body aches.

The late actor was also an accomplished broadcaster, writer, and TV personality who featured in over 150 movies in his lifetime.

He joined Nollywood in 2004 where he played lead roles in most films.



Yinka Akinbami

Pastor Yinka Akinbami, from one of the most popular churches in Lagos, House On The Rock died through complications from coronavirus.

It is, however, unclear if he had some underlying health conditions that contributed to his death.