Year in Review: Celebrities whose death shook Nigerians

The year 2023 has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies in Nigeria's vibrant entertainment industry.

As fans celebrated new milestones and successes, they also mourned the untimely loss of some of their beloved icons.

In this tribute, we remember the Nigerian celebrities who left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape and bid farewell to those whose legacies will continue to inspire generations to come.

Femi Ogunrombi aka Papa Ajasco

Veterna actor, Femi Ogunrombi graced the screens of televisions all over Nigeria in the early 2000s by playing the role of Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s hit comedy series.

The man who made the childhood of a lot of young Nigerians back in the day really interesting died on January 14, 2023.

He would forever be remembered as the character in the TV comedy series with a big pot belly who hits his head while saying “Ojigbigbigbi.”

Ojo Arowosafe

Veteran Nigerian movie star, Ojo Arowosafe, aka Fadeyi Oloro, kicked the bucket on Tuesday, March 7, at the age of 66, after a protracted illness.

Fadeyi Oloro became famous after acting the movie ‘Arelu’ in the late 80’s.

He also featured in movies like Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni mefa among others.

Obinna Nwafor

Veteran Nollywood star and movie producer Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, died at 57 on May 7, 2023.

He death came as a shock to Nigerians all over the world, even though he battled with an undisclosed illness.

He was known for his role in many movies including, ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Sakobi’, ‘Goodbye Tomorrow’, ‘Festival of Fire’, and ‘Heart of Gold’.

Murphy Afolabi

Nigerian movie star, Murphy Afolabi, died on May 14, 2023, not long after he turned 49.

According to reports, he lost his life after falling down in the bathroom in his Lagos apartment.

The late Murphy Afolabi became famous after his role in the movie ‘Omo Rapala.’

Mohbad

Nigerian afrobeat star, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, died on September 12, 2023, at the tender age of 27.

His died under mysterious circumstances which sparked outrage among his fans and many Nigerians at large.

Not long after his death, videos and reports broke out that the late star had been severly bullied in the music industry by his record label and other around him. He received a lot of death threats while he was alive.

Mohbad rose to fame for his hit songs, ‘Feel Good’, ‘Peace’, ‘Ponmo’, etc.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

The late Peace Osigwe, was an incredible Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive.

She was referred to as the “queen of Nollywood films” and was the founder of the globally acclaimed film ceremony African Movie Academy Awards which she begun in 2005.

She unfortunately passed away on the 9th of January, 2023 at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack.

BEB