11 Nollywood Actors Who Died In 2024

The Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) has been hit with a spate of deaths of prominent actors in the year 2024, with popular actors like Mr Ibu and Junior Pope being the latest. The industry, over the years, has lost numerous seasoned veterans and budding talents. As part of tributes to the late actors, it is imperative to reflect upon the invaluable contributions they made to the film industry in Nigeria. So in this article I present to you 11 Nollywood actors who died in 2024.

1. John Okafor

A day after Sisi Quadri’s demise, the news of the passing of comic actor, John Okafor, popular known as Mr Ibu broke out. The actor renowned for his comedy roles, died at the age of 62, plunging fans and colleagues into mourning. Nigerians acknowledge Mr. Ibu for his talent and unwavering strength amidst personal health challenges. His contribution to Nollywood is unforgettable. This comic figure is destined to endure as an individual, who wields large influence over the nation’s cultural and entertainment space.

2. Olofa Ina

Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4, 2024. He died at the age of 73 years old. According to reports, the popular actor died of cancer in Lagos State. Olofa Ina was a popular Yoruba actor who made significant contributions to contemporary Yoruba theatre. Baba Ola Ina’s real name is Adedeji Aderemi. He is also known by movie lovers as Baba Olowe.

3. Ethel Ekpe

Veteran Nollywood actress, Ethel Ekpe, who adorned the Nigerian entertainment screen, died of cancer on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Lagos State. It was gathered that Ethel Ekpe, well known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’, died after a long battle with cancer.

4. Sisi Quadri

Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri died on March 1, 2024 at the age of 44. He celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023. His death was announced by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry. Announcing his death, Nollywood actress, Abiola Bayo wrote on her verified Instagram handle, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace.” Another actor, Tunde Yusuf who posted Sisi Quadri’s picture said, “Everything in the world is according to the will of Allah, from Allah we have come and unto Him, we shall return. May God bless, rest your soul, bro.”

5. Amaechi Muonagor

Three weeks after losing one of its comic actors to the pang of death, the Nigerian movie industry lost yet another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, to the cold hands of death. Muonagor died on Sunday, March 24, 2024 after battling kidney disease for a long time. This came a few days after a viral video in which he solicited financial assistance from Nigerians to enable him to travel abroad for a kidney transplant. Amaechi Muonagor has appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw.

6. Aderounmu Adejumoke

Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, died on Sunday, March 7, 2024.  Adeola Aderounmu, the brother of the actress, announced her passing through his Instagram story on Sunday. Aderounmu Adejumoke started her professional acting career in the movie “Arugba,” produced by Tunde Kelani in 2008, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila.

7. Junior Pope 

Days after the death of Aderounmu Adejumoke, the news of the passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo popularly called, Jnr Pope, broke out. The actor died on Wednesday, March 10, 2024 while filing in Asaba, the Delta State capital. According to our source, the actor died during a boat trip. The boat capsized, he alongside two other yet to be identified actors got drown. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

8. Zulu Adigwu

Veteran Nollywood actor Zulu Adigwu died on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. His death was announced on Facebook by popular film producer and singer, Mike Nliam. Zulu Adigwu is popularly known his role as an evil prophet in the movie The First Prophet. He also played the role of an evil Prophet in the Nollywood blockbuster movie Issakaba. He is also known for playing traditional elderly role in several Nollywood movies.

9. Ganiyu Oyeyemi

Veteran Yoruba actor, Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ogunjimi passed away on April 26, 2024. His death was made known by actor, Kunle Afod in an Instagram post. The actor is known for starring only in Yoruba speaking movies. His death chock Nollywood fans who can’t stop wondering what is actually killing all this actors.

10. Sule Suebebe

Veteran Nollywood actor Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known by his stage name Sule Suebebe, passed away on June 12, 2024. The news of Dayo Adewunmi’s death was announced by Pastor Ademola Amusan, widely known as Agbala Gabriel.

11. Stella Ikwuegbu

Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024. The news of her death was made known by movie producer, Stanley Nwoko via Instagram. It was reported that Mrs. Stella Ikwuegbu had died after a battle with leg cancer. May their souls and the souls of all those that have died rest in peace.