The truth we need to understand is that, in this world, many things are uncertain – money, fame, power, and even beauty. However, there is one thing that is inevitable and certain for everyone, regardless of their background or status. That thing is death.
Although many people fear discussing it, death is an experience that both the rich and the poor will face eventually, including the celebrities we admire and respect.
In this article, I will highlight some Nollywood actors and actresses who passed away in 2024 and did not live to see the New Year in 2025.
Some of them died of natural causes, while others succumbed to illnesses. Here, I will mention 22 celebrities, including actors and actresses, who fall into this category. Let’s take a look:
1. Adejumoke Aderounmu
Adejumoke Aderounmu was a gifted Nigerian actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on March 26, 1984, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, she rose to fame as ‘Esther’ in the hit TV series “Jenifa’s Diary”.
Sadly, her life was cut short when she passed away on April 6, 2024, at the age of 40, in a private hospital.
Though the cause of her death remains undisclosed, but one thing is sure that she will be deeply missed by all who knew and admired her.
2. Zulu Adigwe
The veteran actor left an enduring legacy in the Nollywood film industry. Born on June 27, 1945, in Enugu, Nigeria, he won the hearts of audiences with his iconic paternal roles in numerous films.
His breakout performance as ‘Mr. B’ in the hit sitcom “Basi and Company” (1987-1990) catapulted him to fame, showcasing his natural talent and charisma on screen.
Sadly, Adigwe had been bravely battling kidney disease, which had left him partially paralyzed. The disease took his life on April 23, 2024.
3. Ethel Ekpe
This generation may not have heard about who Ethel Ekpe was, but she was a talented Nigerian actress than some of our favourites. She was born on November 30, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria.
She rose to fame with her iconic role as ‘Segi’ in the beloved sitcom “Basi and Company.”
Ethel Ekpe’s life was cut short when she passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 60, after a courageous battle with cancer.
4. Andy Best
He left an indelible mark on the Nigerian film industry before he died. Andy Best was the CEO of Andy Best Production.
Andy Best died on March 19, 2024, at a private clinic in Owerri, Imo State after a long and courageous battle with illness.
He left behind a legacy of exceptional filmmaking and a void that will be deeply felt.
5. Amaechi Muonagor
He was a beloved figure in Nollywood, celebrated for his incredible talent, versatility, and infectious humor. Born on August 20, 1962, in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
He did grace the screens with iconic performances in films like “Taboo 1” (1989), “Aki and Pawpaw,” “Karishika” (1998), “Aki na Ukwa” (2002), and “Igodo” (1999).
His remarkable contributions earned him a nomination for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actor in 2017.
Amaechi Muonagor died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 61 after a courageous battle with kidney failure, he left behind a legacy of laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments on screen.
6. Ganiyu Oyeyemi
He was well known as Ogunjimi. He rose to prominence with his remarkable versatility and captivating performances, which endeared him to audiences.
One unique part of his career is his dedication to preserving Yoruba culture through storytelling and acting which was truly admirable.
Ogunjimi died on April 26, 2024, although his cause of death was not ascertain.
7. Sisi Quadri
The death of the actor really pained a lot of people most especially his industry colleagues like Funmi Awelewa, Apa and many others.
Quadri Oyebamiji, fondly known as “Sisi Quadri.” has a unique ability of using his mouth and his sharp-tongued to entice the viewers in any movies so far it is entertainment.
After a courageous battle with a prolonged illness that wasn’t known to people, he died on March 1, 2024.
With a career spanning over two decades, Quadri Oyebamiji made his mark in the industry with his debut role in the 2002 movie “Koto Aye,” directed by the late Alhaji Ajileye. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic role in “Seniyan Seranko” (2004) and went on to become renowned for his sharp-tongued and witty characters.
8. Dayo Adewunmi
He was fondly known as Sule Suebebe, he was also like Sisi Quadri that did use their mouth to capture their audiences in the Yoruba-language film industry.
Sule Suebebe was born in 1956, he embarked on an illustrious acting career in the early 1980s, and had memorable performances in films like “Agbalagba,” “Omo Ghetto,” and “Omo Iya Osogbo.”
Sule Suebebe’s passing on June 12, 2024, at the age of 68, sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry.
After a courageous battle with a prolonged illness, he departed this life at an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State.
9. Stella Ikwuegbu
Stella was a beloved Nigerian actress who warmed the hearts of audiences with her iconic motherly roles in Nollywood films.
She began her acting journey in 1990 and went on to appear in a string of memorable movies, including “Spoiler,” “Ukwa,” “Sound of Love,” and “Holy Man.”
Beyond her successful acting career, she was also a savvy businesswoman who pursued her passions with determination. She opened a restaurant called “The Film Bar” in Enugu, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Sadly, Stella’s courageous battle with leg cancer came to an end on June 16, 2024. Though she may be gone, her legacy lives on through her remarkable body of work.
10. Jimi Solanke
Jim Solanke was born on July 4, 1942, he was a true Renaissance man – an actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet, and playwright who embodied the spirit of African creativity.
With a diploma in drama from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Solanke went on to found “The Africa Review,” a groundbreaking drama group dedicated to promoting African culture and heritage.
Some of his most notable works include the iconic film “Kongi’s Harvest” (1970), the epic drama “Sango: The Legendary African King” (1997), and the critically acclaimed “Shadow Parties” (2021).
On February 5, 2024, Solanke passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence, cultural pride, and a profound impact on the world of African arts.
11. Mr Ibu
The day was a shocking day for Nigerian entertainment industry as it happened that it was two beloved legends that died within a span of just 24 hours.
A day after the demise of Sisi Quadri, the news of John Okafor’s, popularly known as “Mr. Ibu,” tragic demise sent shockwaves through the nation.
Before he died then, he struggles with a severe illness that threatened the amputation of one of his legs, but Mr. Ibu was strong for himself even with the family drama between his adopted daughter and wife.
The veteran and award winning actor succumbed to a cardiac arrest, and died on March 2, 2024.
Mr. Ibu starred in an impressive array of over 200 Nollywood films. His comedic genius shone bright in iconic movies like “Mr. Ibu” (2004), “Mr. Ibu in London” (2005), “Police Recruit” (2003), and “9 Wives” (2005).
12. Junior Pope
‘His death was avoidable’ that was what a lot of people were saying about the shining star, as he was at the peak of his career when the sad incident happened.
Tragedy struck on April 10, 2024, when Junior Pope’s life was cut short in a devastating boat accident on the River Niger. While traveling to a film set in Delta State, Nigeria, the boat he was in collided with a fishing canoe, resulting in the loss of five lives, including him.
Junior Pope was known for his captivating performances in movies like “Wrong Initiation” (2018) and “Eye of the Eagle” (2013). His personal life was also filled with joy, as he was a devoted husband to Jennifer Awele Okpuno and a loving father to their three children.
13. Charles Olumo aka Baba Agbako
Alhaji Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo or “Agbako,” was a powerful Nigerian actor who captivated audiences with his iconic performances in Yoruba-language films.
He got his stage name “Agbako,” meaning “fear,” because of his characters, particularly villains, in numerous productions. He had a great career.
According to him, he was also a skilled automobile technician, repairing bikes and vehicles when not on stage. His remarkable life came to a close on October 31, 2024, at the age of 101 with no health challenges.
14. Onyeka Onwenu
The Nigerian singer, actress, and activist left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry and beyond. Onwenu’s powerful voice and influential contributions have inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations of artists.
Beyond her artistic accomplishments, Onwenu was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice causes, using her platform to raise awareness and drive positive change.
Her passing on July 30, 2024, after a brief illness, has left a void in the entertainment industry and beyond.
15. Olofa Ina
He passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 73 although nothing was being said if it was either sicknesses or normal death.
The veteran actor was given a nickname because he founded the Olofa Ina Theatre Group in 1972, revolutionizing the Nigerian theatre scene.
16. Bobo B
Veteran Nigerian Actor, Ayobami Olabiyi “Bobo B” died in 2024Â also he was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olabiyi began his career as a teacher in 1977, dedicating 16 years to education before pursuing his passion for acting in 1993.
Bobo B started becoming popular with his debut film “Ewolewo” in 1994, followed by his breakout role in “Olaniyanu” in 1996, which earned him prominence in the Yoruba film industry.
Unfortunately, Olabiyi passed away on October 16, 2024 after a brief illness.
17. Emmanuel France
The filmmaker was a highly respected figure in the Nollywood industry. He was born in Kano State, Nigeria, to Ghanaian parents.
His filmography includes notable titles such as “Domitilla” (1996), “The Curfew” (2021), and “Men of the Century (Hook or Crook)” (2024).
He left this world on September 16, 2024, at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by a fellow colleague in the Nollywood industry, Femi Ogedengbe.
18. Big Larry
Although some Nollywood lovers didn’t get much of his talent until he died as his past movies started to go viral.
Big Larry sadly passed away on September 13, 2024, and according to Stanley Ontop on Instagram, the cause of his death remains unknown .
19. Shina Sanyaolu
Sanyaolu was a highly respected figure in the Yoruba film industry, celebrated for his exceptional directing skills and contributions to numerous iconic films, including “The Honourable,” “Two Wives,” and “Omo Olosan.”
He passed away on September 12, 2024 Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Nollywood. Although the cause of his death remains undisclosed.
20. Yusuf Olorungbebe
Olorungbebe had been battling a chronic ailment that required life support, and his health struggles sparked an outpouring of support from the Nollywood community.
A colleague once asked Nigerians for assistance on behalf of the late actor to aid Olorungbebe’s medical treatment. He passed away on August 28, 2024 because of his health issue.
21. Sharon Okpamen
Sharon began her acting career in 2010 with the film “Touch Not My Crown” and went on to appear in over 100 films, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in Nollywood.
One of her most notable projects was the film “Night Hustlers,” which she produced herself. Sharon’s dedication, passion, and creativity had earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim within the industry.
Tragically, Sharon’s life was cut short when she passed away on August 24, 2024, at the age of 35, due to complications from childbirth.
22. Reginald Ebere
If you ever watch this popular movie called “Issakaba” it was a old but gold movie and this talented director and screenwriter was the one behind the iconic 1999 Nollywood classic movie.
Ebere started to have issue with his health around 2018Â when he suffered a stroke on set, leading to six years of health challenges. Despite his struggles, Ebere’s legacy continued to inspire fans and fellow filmmakers alike.
Unfortunately, he later passed away on May 26, 2024 and left this world.
23. Dimeji Ajibola
The actor sadly passed away at the age of 44, after a battle with an undisclosed illness. If you had watched series like “Shanty Town” and the sci-fi film “Ratnik” then you should know how big he was as he directed them.
Ajibola died on November 3, 2024, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the world of African cinema.
Conclusion
It’s truly sad to see that some of our favorite actors are no longer with us, even as we continue to watch their past movies. As we remember them, let’s not forget to pray for their families and the children they left behind.
Among these individuals, whose passing pained you the most? Also, check out more Nollywood list articles here.
