Despite the steps taken by the entertainment industry in Nigeria, there are notable moments that leave fans sad.
It is said that death is necessary. Perhaps some of the deaths recorded in the entertainment scene go deep.
These are the celebrities we’re saying goodbye to in 2022.
Osinachi Nwachukwu
In April, the famous gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu passed away. The singer, who came into the limelight with his hit, ‘Ekwueme’, which he sang with Prospa Ochimana, died at an Abuja hospital.
The singer, who died of complications caused by domestic violence, was the lead singer at Dunamis International Gospel Center.
His last song, Ikem (God of Power), was released in November 2021.
Gbenga Richards
One of the pioneers of Nollywood, actor Gbenga Richards died in May after battling acute diabetes and high blood pressure.
Richards’ first appearance as an actor was representing Nigeria with Hubert Ogunde at the Second World Festival of African Culture and African Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.
There is Ameh
Popular actress, comedian, producer and television personality, Ada Ameh, died at a hospital in Delta State in July.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, confirmed the unfortunate incident to PREMIUM TIMES.
They buried in August in his home town in Benue State amid tributes.
Gang Bii
In August, the Nigerian novelist and film director Biyi Bandele died at the age of 54.
The deceased’s son Temi, speaking on behalf of the family, described him as “a wonderful writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and a loving father.”
He died before the premiere of his directorial effort, ‘Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman’.
Rico Swavey
Another tragic death to rock the entertainment industry in 2022 is former Big Brother Naija star Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey.
Swavey, anyone died In October, he was involved in a ghastly car accident that left him hospitalized and in critical condition.
Sammie Okposo
Popular gospel singer Sammie Okposo died suddenly on November 25.
The singer is famous for his Sammie Okposo Praise Party (SOPP) live concerts. He held his last edition in November, a few days before his sudden death.
Her hit song, ‘Welu Welu’, gained a lot of local and international popularity and enjoyed huge airwaves.
Sammie is there buried at a private cemetery in Ikoyi after the Church service in December.
Sola Onayiga
Veteran Actress Sola Onayiga (Practical Kitchen) died in July.
The late actress is best known for her role as Ireti in the hit TV series ‘Fuji House of Commotion’, where she ‘tortured’ her family with her overbearing cooking skills.
According to the information, he was admitted to the ICU unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
The late Onayiga was the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2015 for Constituency 1 of the Lagos Ikorodu State House of Assembly.
Sir Kay Kamoru
In December, the famous Yoruba actor Kamal Adebayo, known as Sir Kay-Kamoru, died.
Sir Kay, the father of Nigerian sketch artist Adebayo Abidemi, popularly known as Isbae U, is famous for his unique slang and puns in movies.
This talented veteran actor is known for playing the role of “Bad Boy” in home videos between the late 90s to 2012.
Larry Williams
Veteran Nigerian actor, Larry Williams, died in February. He is 81 years old.
The late Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) actor has a career spanning over five decades.
He was the first actor to ever perform atop Zuma Rock in Abuja FCT, 1,200 feet high, where he completed his late friend Maman Vatsa’s poem, ‘Birds singing in the rain.’
Tafa Oloyede
Also in February, veteran Yoruba actor, John Adewunmi, famous as Tafa Oloyede, passed away.
He is 69 years old.
Ede, an Osun State born actor, who tried acting in 1974, died after a brief illness.
The late actor showed no signs of illness when he attended Bigscreen Entertainment’s annual general meeting on January 16 in Ibadan.
Roman Amuta (Natty)
However, in February, veteran actor Romanus Amuta, popularly known as ‘Natty’, died at the age of 79.
The Nigerian actor plays Natty in New Masquerade.
His thriving career suffered a setback after a stroke in 2009.
He worked with Daily Times Newspapers before entering the film industry.
Thank you Veronica
In March, Nollywood actress Takor Veronica was found dead in a hotel room in Benue, North Central Nigeria, days after celebrating her birthday.
The upcoming actress is celebrating her birthday on March 12, 2022.
He was reported dead in his hotel room.
State police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.
I left Tunfulu
On April 1st, death of Yoruba movie star Dejo Tunfulu It was announced by his friend Kunle Afod on Instagram.
He is 50 years old.
The famous actor was born in Idumota, Lagos Island area of Lagos State, but hails from Ikeja Ogun.
In 2014, the comic actor faked death while he was on the set of the movie ‘Igbo Sambisa’ when he suffered internal injuries that left him bleeding through his nostrils.
Chinedu Bernard
Nollywood actress Chinedu Bernard in April died at EastSide hospital Enugu after she slumped while cleaning St. Mary’s Chapel. Leo the Great Catholic Church.
The priest, Uchendu Chukwuma, and some parishioners rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
david osagie
In May, Nollywood actor Sir David Osagie, famous for playing the role of a king in many movies, died hours after he was on the set of a movie.
Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeh, confirmed the death, saying the actor was not ill but fell asleep and did not wake up the next day.
The deceased, who was also a script writer, producer and professional talent developer, is survived by his wife and children.
Leo Mezie
Nollywood actor Leonard Chimezie Onyemachi, popularly known as Leo Mezie, died on Saturday, May 14.
The actor, who had a kidney transplant four years ago, had another one a week before his death.
Nollywood actress, Chioma Toplis, confirmed Leo’s death through a post on Instagram.
Olaniyi Raji
In June, veteran Yoruba actor Olaniyii Raji, better known as Baba Atoli, died after battling an unknown illness for over a year.
Ropo Ewenla, a member of the Ibadan Film Circle (IFC), a group of late filmmakers, confirmed the news of his death in a statement.
Baba Atoli is a member of the ‘Village Head’. He also authored a crime fiction titled ‘The Charmed Lock.’
He revived and repackaged the longest running Yoruba TV programme, ‘FEYIKOGBON.’
Yinka Ogundaisi
Also, in June, another veteran actor Yinka Ogundaisi passed away. The veteran actor has been ill for a long time.
Yinka Ogundaisi is the next actor to play the legendary Sango in ‘Oba Koso’ after the late Chief Duro Ladipo.
Osmond Gbadebo
After a battle with a terminal illness, actor Gbadebo Osmond died in May.
Mr. Osmond, a Nollywood actor and filmmaker, has died leaving behind a two-week-old child.
Find a girl
In March, the famous Nigerian gospel singer Chinedu Nwadike passed away. The gospel singer is recognized for his hit song, ‘God of Vengeance’.
He reportedly died in Abuja after battling blood cancer.
The 39-year-old singer had been recovering from a kidney ailment and was urged to travel to India for further medical treatment before his death.
Before his death, the “Oku Gbajie Aka” crooner sought financial help from famous Nigerians.
He also visited controversial Catholic priest Ejike Mbaka, before he was hospitalized.
Slam Ifeanyi
In November, Gunmen shot dead singer and songwriter Slam Ifeanyi In Anambra.
The 31-year-old former Mr. Universe was driving a newly purchased Lexus 330 when he was attacked and shot dead in the Anambra State capital.
Slim Joe
Nigerian singer Joshua Olonitan, popularly known as Slim Joe, died in January at the age of 30.
The singer, who rose to fame for his 2009 hit song, ‘O ti Yanyan’, is suffering from chronic kidney disease and has appealed for support to raise N15m for an operation to get him back on his feet.
He was diagnosed with kidney failure and had been on dialysis for some time.
Folike Ntukdem
On December 19, former Miss Nigeria, Foluke Ntukdem, passed peacefully in his sleep in his Lagos home.
He is 75 years old.
The deceased represented Western State in beauty pageants and won the Miss Nigeria competition in 1968.
She also represented Nigeria at the 18th edition of Miss World held in the British capital in November 1968, which was won by Miss Australia Penny Plummer.
Oluwatobi Owomoyela, aka Peter
Also in December, a popular Nigerian comedian and on-air personality Oluwatobi Owomoyela, popularly known as Peterudied.
He is 35 years old.
Petrus, a household name in comedy circles for his unique facial expressions, has reportedly died of colon cancer.
Honorable mention
Ifeanyi Adeleke
In November, famous singer Davido lost his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.
The three-year-old boy reportedly drowned in the family’s swimming pool in Lagos and was underwater for an unspecified period of time before he was found.
ALSO READ: Nollywood actress, Doris Chima, dies
The police spokesman in Lagos, Benjamin Hundeyi, confirmed that Ifeanyi died in a suspected swimming pool accident.
Some of the singer’s assistants and staff were arrested and detained over the late Ifeanyi’s death.
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