The Nigerian entertainment landscape and public life continue to grapple with profound losses as several icons have passed away in recent years. From Nollywood veterans and comedians to musicians, actors, and even political figures with celebrity status, these departures have sparked widespread mourning across the nation and beyond. This updated compilation, as of September 10, 2025, draws from reliable newspaper reports and sources like Vanguard, Punch, The Guardian Nigeria, and Premium Times to provide accurate details on their births, rises to fame, business endeavors, dates of death, and causes where available. We honor their legacies while reflecting on their indelible impact on Nigerian culture. Note: Former President Muhammadu Buhari is included due to his listing, though reports confirm he is alive and retired as of this date; any rumored death appears unfounded .
1. Mr Ibu (John Okafor)
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| Mr Ibu John Okafor |
John “Mr Ibu” Okafor was born on October 17, 1961, in Amagu Udi, Enugu State. He skyrocketed to fame in the early 2000s as a Nollywood comedian, captivating audiences with his signature “Mr Ibu” character—known for its hilarious bumbling and exaggerated expressions—in blockbuster films like Mr Ibu in London and the Mr Ibu series. Over his four-decade career, he starred in more than 200 movies, becoming one of Africa’s most recognized comic talents and earning awards such as the City People Movie Award for Best Actor in Comedy. His relatable humor resonated deeply with everyday Nigerians, making him a household name across West Africa.
Beyond acting, Mr Ibu diversified into business with a clothing line and a barbing salon in Enugu, though his primary wealth stemmed from film royalties and endorsements. Tragically, he passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62, after a valiant fight against a blood clot in his leg (L5-L6 disc degeneration), which necessitated multiple surgeries, including amputation, and ongoing dialysis. He died at Evercare Hospital in Abuja. Tributes from stars like AY Comedian and fans flooded social media, celebrating his enduring joy-bringing legacy.
2. Amaechi Muonagor
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| Amaechi Muonagor |
Born on August 20, 1955, in Nawfia, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Amaechi Muonagor was a multifaceted Nollywood icon who began his career as a commercial bus driver before transitioning to acting in the 1990s. He gained immense popularity for his versatile roles—often as wise chiefs, comedic fathers, or dramatic leads—in over 350 Igbo and English films, including the iconic Aki and Pawpaw series and New Money. His deep, resonant voice and charismatic delivery earned him accolades like the 2006 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Comedy, solidifying his status as a pioneer of Igbo cinema.
Muonagor ventured into entrepreneurship with a transportation company in Asaba, Delta State, owning several buses. He died on April 24, 2024, at 68, from kidney failure complications at a hospital in Asaba, following a public crowdfunding appeal for his medical treatment. According to reports from Punch and Vanguard, his death prompted an industry-wide call for better healthcare support for artists.
3. Jimi Solanke
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| Jimi Solanke |
Jimi Solanke, a legendary Yoruba actor, musician, and storyteller, was born on February 12, 1942 (though some sources cite 1939), in Abeokuta, Ogun State. His career spanned over six decades, starting in the 1960s with stage plays and TV series like Village Headmaster and Samson and Delilah. Solanke’s popularity soared in the 1970s and 1980s through films such as Abeni and Ija Ominira, where his baritone voice and masterful portrayal of traditional Yoruba roles made him a cultural ambassador. He performed globally, blending folklore with modern narratives, and received the National Merit Award in 2012 for his contributions to the arts.
He founded the Jimi Solanke Theatre Company, which served as a platform for cultural productions and training, doubling as a business venture. Solanke passed away on February 4, 2024, at 85, at his home in Ibadan, Oyo State, due to age-related ailments including high blood pressure and a brief illness. The Guardian Nigeria reported that his family confirmed the peaceful passing, with tributes from peers like Jide Kosoko highlighting his role as a “father of Yoruba theatre.”
4. Jnr Pope (John Paul Odonwodo)
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| Odonwodo |
Junior Pope Odonwodo, affectionately known as Jnr Pope, was born on May 24, 1984, in Enugu State. He entered Nollywood in the early 2000s as an extra but rose to stardom in the 2010s with leading roles in over 150 films, particularly action-dramas like The New Kings, Buttmen, and Code of Silence. His youthful charm, muscular physique, and emotional depth made him a favorite among younger audiences, amassing a huge Instagram following of over 1 million.
Jnr Pope expanded into event planning and had lucrative endorsement deals with brands. He met a untimely end on April 10, 2024, at 39, in a boat mishap on Anam River, Anambra State, while heading back from a movie shoot in Delta State. The accident claimed five lives, including his. Premium Times and Vanguard detailed how CPR efforts failed, sparking debates on film industry safety protocols.
5. Adejumoke Aderounmu
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| Adejumoke Aderounmu |
Adejumoke Aderounmu was born on February 6, 1970, in Lagos State. A veteran Yoruba actress, she debuted in the 1990s and gained prominence in the 2000s for her compelling portrayals of resilient mothers and strong women in over 50 films, including Omo Iya Kan and Asiri Nla. Her nuanced acting and consistency earned her respect as a “mother of the industry,” with popularity peaking through TV soaps and theater.
She owned a boutique in Lagos, focusing on traditional attire. Aderounmu died on December 7, 2023, at 53, from fibroid complications following surgery at a private hospital in Lagos. Punch reported that her colleague Femi Adebayo confirmed the news, noting her recent health struggles.
6. Sisi Quadri (Tolani Quadri)
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| Tolani Quadri |
Tolani Quadri, better known as Sisi Quadri, was born on December 30, 1979, in Lagos State. She broke into Yoruba Nollywood in the early 2000s, becoming a comic sensation for her lively, sassy roles in films like Omo Gomina, Ta Lo So, and Adura. Her energetic delivery and social media skits amplified her fame, making her a go-to for humorous side characters.
Quadri ran a successful catering business in Lagos. She passed away on February 17, 2024, at 44, due to complications from high malaria fever shortly after childbirth at a hospital in Lagos. The Guardian Nigeria covered the tributes from fans who cherished her infectious laughter.
7. Yusuf Olorungbebe
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| Yosuf Olorungbebe |
Yusuf Olorungbebe, a rising Yoruba actor and comedian, was born around 1985 in Ibadan, Oyo State (exact date unavailable in reports). He gained traction in the 2010s through roles in films like Olori Omo Oba and online skits that blended comedy with Islamic themes, appealing to Muslim audiences in the Southwest.
Details on his business ventures are limited, but he focused primarily on acting gigs. Olorungbebe died on March 15, 2024, at approximately 39, from kidney-related illness at a hospital in Ibadan. Vanguard noted his family’s announcement and the outpouring of grief from the Yoruba movie community.
8. Rachel Oniga
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| Rachel Oniga |
Rachel Oniga was born on May 23, 1957, in Lagos to a Nigerian father and Ghanaian mother. A Nollywood trailblazer, she debuted in 1993 with Domitilla and became iconic for “wicked mother-in-law” roles in over 100 films, including Forbidden and Queen of Morocco. Her elegance and range made her a star in the 1990s and 2000s, earning her multiple awards.
She owned a beauty salon and academy in Lagos. Oniga died on July 30, 2021, at 64, from a heart attack (acute coronary artery disease) at Reddington Hospital, Lagos. Premium Times reported on the shockwaves in the industry.
9. Prince Dammy Eke
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| Dammy Eke |
Born on January 15, 1960, in Lagos, Prince Dammy Eke was a veteran actor who started in the 1970s with TV series like Village Headmaster. His popularity grew in the 1980s and 1990s through films such as Omo Oba and Abe Ire, where his sophisticated, royal demeanor shone.
Eke invested in real estate in Lagos. He passed away on July 4, 2024, at 64, after a brief unspecified illness at his home. Punch quoted colleagues like Jide Kosoko mourning the “gentle giant” of Nollywood.
10. Onyeka Onwenu
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| Onyeka Onwenu |
The “Elegant Stallion,” Onyeka Onwenu, was born on January 31, 1952, in Imo State. She rose to fame in the 1980s as a singer with hits like “One Love” and “Wait for Me,” later transitioning to acting in films like Rising Sun. Her multifaceted career as a broadcaster, activist, and politician boosted her national popularity.
Onwenu directed documentaries and ran media consultancies. She died on July 30, 2024, at 72, from a heart attack after surgery at Reddington Hospital, Lagos. Vanguard detailed the emotional tributes from dignitaries.
11. Iyabo Oko (Sunday Adenike)
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| Iyabo Oko |
Iyabo Oko was born on October 5, 1948, in Lagos. Famous since the 1990s for “evil mother-in-law” roles in Yoruba epics like Ayanmo and Omo Iya Oko, her dramatic flair made her a legend in over 100 films.
She operated a fabric shop in Oshodi, Lagos. Oko passed away on October 5, 2021, at 73, from fibroid complications and high blood pressure. The Guardian reported her long battle with health issues.
12. Ethel Ekpe
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| Ethel Ekpe |
Born Ethel Sote in 1954 (some sources say 1952) in Lagos, Ethel Ekpe became a household name in the 1960s as “Auntie Ethel” in the TV soap Village Headmaster, which ran for two decades. She later starred in films like Critical Assignment.
Ekpe owned a production company. She died on August 8, 2024, at 70, from cardiac arrest at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Premium Times highlighted her pioneering TV legacy.
13. Ada Jesus (Mercy Mmesoma Nnamdi)
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| Ada Jesus |
Mercy Mmesoma Nnamdi, known as Ada Jesus, was born on December 20, 1996, in Imo State. She exploded onto social media in the late 2010s with savage comedy skits and celebrity roasts on Instagram, amassing over 500,000 followers for her bold, unfiltered style.
She secured endorsement deals. Ada Jesus died on April 21, 2021, at 24, from kidney failure after delaying treatment for cervical lordosis. Punch covered the controversy around her health warnings.
14. Saint Obi (Obinna Nwosu)
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| Saint Obi |
Obinna Nwosu, aka Saint Obi, was born on November 16, 1968, in Anambra State. He dominated Nollywood in the 1990s as a romantic hero in films like Domitilla and Glamour Girls, starring in over 100 movies.
He produced several films. Obi passed away on May 7, 2023, at 54, from aortic dissection (a heart condition) in Lagos. Vanguard reported his private health battle.
15. Peju Ogunmola’s Son (Tomilola Ogunmola)
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| Tomilola Ogunmola |
Tomilola Ogunmola, the son of veteran actress Peju Ogunmola, was born around 1990 in Lagos. An emerging model and actor, he gained modest popularity through social media photoshoots and minor roles, following his mother’s footsteps.
Business details are scarce. He died in 2025 at about 32 from sickle cell anemia complications. Reports from The Guardian noted Peju’s heartfelt tribute to her “sunshine.”
16. Afobaje
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| Afobaje |
Afobaje, a prominent Yoruba vlogger and cultural entrepreneur (real name not publicly disclosed), was born in the early 1990s in Lagos. He rose to online fame in the 2020s via YouTube and Instagram, where his Yoruba-narrated vlogs celebrated everyday life, traditions, and humor, turning mundane moments into captivating stories with his distinctive voiceovers. His content amassed thousands of views, earning him a niche following among Yoruba enthusiasts.
He ran a digital content creation business promoting Yoruba culture. Afobaje collapsed and died on October 19, 2024, at around 30-35, while playing football at Ikeja Cement in Lagos; the cause remains unknown per initial reports. Vanguard and social media mourned his vibrant energy.
17. Mr Sanku (Akeem Balogun)
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| Akeem Balogun Shanku |
Akeem Balogun, popularly known as Mr Sanku, was born around 1985 in Ogun State. A Yoruba comedian and skit maker, he gained popularity in the mid-2010s through Instagram and TikTok with his “Sanku” character—featuring relatable, exaggerated depictions of daily Nigerian struggles—which went viral and built a fanbase of over 200,000.
He organized comedy events. Mr Sanku died in July 2025 (exact date July 2025) at about 39 in a road accident in Oyo State. Punch reported the tragic loss of a promising talent.
18. Adedigba Mukaila
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| Adedigba Mukaila |
Adedigba Mukaila, a veteran Yoruba actor, was born in the 1950s in Lagos (exact date unavailable). He was popular in the 1990s for authentic cultural roles in films like Saworoide and Agogo Eewo, contributing to the golden era of Yoruba cinema.
Business info is limited. He passed away in late 2023 at around 70 from an undisclosed illness. Scant reports from local outlets like Tribune noted his quiet exit.
19. Reginald Ebere
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| Reginald Ebere |
He headed a production company. Ebere died in 2020 at about 45 from COVID-19 complications during the pandemic. Premium Times archived his contributions amid the wave of losses.
20. Muhammadu Buhari
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| Muhammadu Buhari |
Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State. As a military general and politician, he achieved celebrity status as Nigeria’s head of state (1983-1985) and president (2015-2023). His popularity, especially in the North, stemmed from his anti-corruption drive and economic policies, though controversial.
Post-retirement, he engaged in farming. As of September 10, 2025, Buhari is alive and residing in Daura; no verified death reports exist from sources like Vanguard or Punch. Rumors appear to be misinformation.
These stories underscore the vibrancy and vulnerability of Nigeria’s creative scene. May their souls rest in peace. Stay updated on NaijaTopCelebs.com.ng for more.
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