Between January and March 7, 2023, the Nigerian Nollywood industry recorded the death of five actors and actresses.
Amongst them were veterans who left indelible imprints that some of their colleagues can envy as they carry on with their acting careers.
Quite a lot of Nollywood actors died in the year 2022 including the likes of Adah Ameh and Romanus Amuta (Natty) amongst others, Truetells News recalls.
Unfortunately for the entertainment industry, five have again bid them farewell before the end of the first quarter of 2023, a sad development that has raised concerns among their lovers.
Below is the list of five Nollywood actors that have died so far this year.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
The news of her death broke the internet on the 9th of January 2023. The founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is a native of the Imo State.
Peace reportedly died at the age of 53 at St. Nicholas Hospital – LFZ Ibeju Lekki, Tiye, after battling a heart attack that led to a two coma.
The deceased started the AMAA event in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state on the 30th of May, 2005, Naija News recalls. She was also notable for screening Nollywood films at International Film Festivals.
Peace received quite some honours before her death, including the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for her contribution to the entertainment industry.
Baba Feyikogbon
Baba Feyikogbon
Chief Sunday Akanbi Akinola (Feyikogbon) was a veteran in the Nollywood industry. His limelight began after his role as “Mogaji “ in the series titled “Feyikogbon” which aired on NTA channel 7 in southwestern Nigeria in the 1980s.
The deceased actor hailed from Ogun state. Naija News recalls that Baba Feyikogbon also died on the 9th of January, 2023. He died the same day as Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, which raised concerns among Nigerians as the year was still fresh then.
Baba Feyikogbo reportedly died of Kidney failure at the age of 80.
Prior to his death, the actor had solicited help from the public in 2019. He noted that his role in the series had only given him fame without money.
Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco)
Femi Ogunrombi
Another veteran that Nigerian entertainment will miss is Femi Ogunrombi, popularly known as Papa Ajasco.
There were controversies over the death of the actor, considering his character in Wale Adenuga’s longtime series.
Truetells Nigeria, however, clarified that Ogunrombi is different from Richard Abiodun, the first and ‘real Papa Ajasco’. It is worthy of note that the deceased actor, Ogunrombi had only stood in as ‘Papa Ajasco’ at a time in the life of the popular longest-running series by Wale Adenuga Production.
Femi Ogunrombi a native of Abeokuta in Ogun State. He rose to fame after taking over the character of Papa Ajasco in 2005 when Richard Abiodun Ayoyinka pulled out of the show.
He was a member of the National Troupe of Nigeria in 1994 and worked as the director of Nigerian National Music and conducted National Choir in 1998.
He was also the director of studies at the Pencil Film and Television Center in Lagos.
Favour Agiounim Daniels
Favour Agiounim Daniels
Daniels, also known as Omoge, Oma, and Amama died on the 5th of January 2023. The young talented actress and skit mater passed away at the age of 26 after a boating accident.
She made name for herself appearing on the TV screen and also having her skits trended on social media before death shortened her dream.
Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro)
The most recent among veteran actors who have lost their lives in 2023 is Fadeyi Oloro. The deceased actor is well-known for his powerful incantation in Yoruba films.
Not only incantation, but Fadeyi Oloro also styled himself to appear on TV screens with his face painted in black substances to fully make his character interesting in films.
The veteran’s death was announced by his daughter, Fasunwon Oluwafunke, on Tuesday, the 7th of March 2023, TRUETELLS understands.
Fadeyi Oloro died at the age of 66 after battling a terminal disease for years. He was a native of Igbara Odo in Ekiti state.
He rose to fame after acting in the movie ‘Arelu’ in the late 80s and also appeared in movies like Inubibi, Anike Olufa, and Akoni Mefa, among others.
