Nollywood woke up on Wednesday, April 10 to the tragic news of the d3ath of notable actor, Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.
Sadly, in December 2023, the actor unveiled his beautiful multi-million mansion but lost his life in a tragic boat mishap.
Junior Pope’s untimely demise occurred when he and three other crew members drowned in the River Niger en route to a movie set.
The tragic incident has sent waves of grief through the entertainment community, with many lamenting the loss of such a vibrant and promising talent.
A movie producer Stanley Nwoke, who was present during the incident, also confirmed the actor’s death.
The president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria and top industry officials have confirmed the sad news and visited the morgue where Pope’s body is kept.
Nwoke provided a heart rending account of the events leading up to Junior Pope’s passing, revealing that the actor battled for his life for hours before being pronounced dead by three different doctors at various hospitals.
According to Nwoke, in a distressing turn of events, Junior Pope was initially rejected by a morgue and subsequently taken to the river bank for a ritual in a bid to save his life. However, despite these efforts, he was later confirmed d3ad at the hospital.
The loss of Junior Pope is a significant blow to Nollywood, as he was not only a talented actor but also a beloved figure among his peers and fans. His recent achievement, the construction of a luxurious mansion, was a testament to his success and hard work in the Nigerian film industry.
As the news of his passing spreads, tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders, all expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories of the actor.