Like every other year, 2023 recorded good and sad events. The entertainment industry in Nigeria had a fair share of these two coins of life.
In this report, JANET ADEYEMI takes a look at celebrities who succumbed to the cold, cruel clutches of death in the year which comes to a close in a couple of hours.
Below is the list of Nigerian celebrities who died.
Osinachi Nwachikwu
After spending days in an undisclosed Abuja hospital, gospel musician Osinachi Nwachukwu gave up the ghost on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the age of 42.
The mother of four collaborated with Prospa Ochimana, another artist, to create the song “Ekwueme,” which propelled both of them to fame in 2017.
After her death, the Federal Government filed 23 charges against her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, accusing him of culpable homicide after hearing accusations that domestic abuse contributed to the gospel artist’s death.
Ada Ameh
Veteran Nollywood actress Ada Ameh, better known as Emu, passed away at the NNPC hospital in Warri, Delta State, on July 17, 2022 at the age of 48.
On Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Freedom Park in Lagos, the cast and crew of the well-liked TV show “The Johnsons” hosted an event called “Night of Tributes” in her honor as the series’ leading lady.
She was laid to rest at her father’s yard in their village of Otukpo, Benue State, on Friday, August 26, 2022.
Biyi Bandele
On Sunday, August 17, 2022, Biyi Bandele, a Nigerian novelist, dramatist, Half of a Yellow Sun director, and co-director of the Nigerian television series Blood Sisters, passed away.
He was buried in Lagos on September 23, 2022. The funeral was attended by the late filmmaker’s family and close friends at the low-key event.
Sola Onayiga
Sola Awojobi Onayiga, a seasoned actress in Nollywood, passed away on July 18, 2022.
The actress with the gap in her teeth gained fame for her role as Ireti in the now-defunct family drama, Fuji House of Commotion.
Fans of the drama series and co-stars Ngozi Nwosu and Jude Orhorha expressed their sorrow over the loss of Onayiga.
Lari Williams
Lari Williams, the first National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, passed away on February 27, 2022, at the age of 81.
On Friday, April 15, 2022, the AGN and the local Artistes Village community commemorated the multifaceted artist’s life and times.
He was however laid to rest on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in his hometown of Yala Nkum in the Cross River State municipality of Ikom.
Sammie Okposo
Sammie Okposo, a well-known gospel performer, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, November 25, 2022. His age was 51.
He was honoured on Tuesday, December 13, in Lagos State, and on Wednesday, a service of songs was organized in his honour.
On Friday, December 16, Okposo was laid to rest in a private cemetery in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Rico Swavey
Patrick Fakoya, also known as Rico Swavey, was a former Big Brother Naija Season 3 housemate. He was injured in a vehicle accident and placed on life support. On Thursday, October 13, 2022, two days after the incident, he passed away.
On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, a tribute and candlelight walk took place at Retro Citi in Victoria Island, Lagos, and lots of celebrities were in attendance.
Before his interment at Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi, Lagos, a private service was performed at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu Square, on Thursday.
Tafa Oloyede
At the age of 69, Yoruba veteran actor John Adewunmi better known as Tafa Oloyede passed away at his home in Osogbo on February 1, 2022.
The Osun chapter of the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria hosted a concert in memory of the late actor on February 10, 2022.
On February 11, 2022, the late actor’s remains were buried at Ede, Osun, his hometown.
Dejo Tunfulu
Nollywood comic actor Kunle Adetokunbo, fondly called Dejo Tunfulu, died on April 1, 2022. His death was announced by his colleague Kunle Afod.
His passing was also verified by Mr. Latin, Bolaji Amusan, president of the Nigerian Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association.
Peteru
Tobi Owomoyela better known as Peteru died on December 22, 2022, after battling with cancer.
Nollywood actor Muyiwa Ademola revealed the incident on his instagram page, the funny actor died at the age of 35, survived by his mother, wife and a son.
Shade Akintaylor
The actress, who is popularly known as Oluweri Magbo Ojo, according to her family members, Shade apparently died on Sunday, February 27, at the age of 59, in the United Kingdom.
Takor Veronica
The actress was found dead in a hotel room located at Nyima area of Makurdi, Benue state. Confirming the tragic incident, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, said the cause of her death is still unknown as they are still waiting for a report from doctors.
Romanus Amuta
Romanus Amuta, a well-known Nollywood actor, passed away following a protracted illness. His son, Chukwuma Amuta, announced the veteran actor’s passing.
Sir Kay
Nigerian comedian Adebayo Abidemi, also known as Isbae U, lost his father, Sir Kay-Kamoru, a well-known Yoruba actor Kamal Adebayo.
In movies, Sir Kay was renowned for his original vocabulary and wit. Between the late 1990s and 2012, the skilled actor gained notoriety for portraying the “Bad Boy” character in home films.
May they all rest in perfect peace.