Remembering 25 Celebrities Who Left Us in 2023

In the year 2023, the entertainment industry mourned the loss of several prominent figures whose impact will be felt for years to come. Here is a tribute to 25 celebrities who bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba) – 27

Date of Death: September 12

The Nigerian music industry lost Mohbad, aka Ilerioluwa Aloba, at the age of 27. Despite the unclear circumstances surrounding his death, fans remember him for his vibrant personality and impactful music, with hit songs like ‘Feel Good,’ ‘Peace,’ and ‘Ponmo.’

Following his passing, authorities exhumed his remains for an autopsy, intensifying public curiosity and demands for transparency. The investigation is ongoing, and justice for Mohbad remains a rallying cry among Nigerians.

Murphy Afolabi – 49

Date of Death: May 14

Famous Yoruba actor and filmmaker Murphy Afolabi, renowned for his role in ‘Omo Rapala,’ passed away at 49. His final resting place in Ikorodu, Lagos, became a poignant scene as colleagues and fans remembered his contributions to the industry.

Afolabi’s last project, ‘Alani Omo Iya Osogbo,’ premiered posthumously on YouTube, showcasing his lasting influence in the world of Yoruba cinema.

Fadeyi Oloro (Ojo Arowosafe) – 66

Date of Death: March 10

Legendary actor Fadeyi Oloro, born Ojo Arowosafe, captivated audiences with his compelling roles and dynamic delivery of incantations in Yoruba films. His contributions to classics like ‘Alagbara Ilu’ and ‘Jagun Ina’ solidified his place in Nollywood history.

Fadeyi Oloro’s passing on March 10 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the hearts of movie enthusiasts.

Saint Obi (Obinna Nwafor) – 57

Date of Death: May 7

Veteran actor and movie producer Saint Obi, known for his roles in iconic productions like ‘Take Me to Maama’ and ‘Sakobi,’ succumbed to an undisclosed ailment at the age of 57. Buried in his hometown of Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State, Saint Obi’s contributions to Nigerian cinema will be remembered.

Papa Ajasco (Femi Ogunrombi)

Date of Death: January 14

Femi Ogunrombi, recognized as ‘Papa Ajasco’ for his role in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series, passed away on January 14. The former music instructor’s distinctive portrayal left a lasting impression on fans, and his contribution to Nigerian comedy remains celebrated.

Chikezie Uwazie

Date of Death: May 14

Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie, known for his roles in ‘Super Love’ and ‘Tell Me Why,’ left a void in the industry after succumbing to the aftermath of a brain surgery in the United States. Colleagues, including Obey Etuk, confirmed his demise, leaving the Nollywood community in mourning.

Sunday Akinola – 80

Date of Death: January 9

Celebrated for portraying ‘Mogaji’ in the 1980s NTA series ‘Feyikogbon,’ actor Sunday Akinola passed away on January 9 due to kidney failure. His role in the classic series remains etched in the memories of those who enjoyed the golden age of Nigerian television.

Favour Agiounim Daniels – 26

Date of Death: February 5

Nigerian comedian and actress Favour Agiounim Daniels, known for her social media skits, met a tragic end at 26 in a boat accident on February 5. Her untimely death shocked the entertainment community, and condolences poured in after her elder sister, Elizabeth Daniel, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram.

Adedigba Mukaila (Alafin Oro)

Date of Death: May 13

Veteran actor Adedigba Mukaila, known by his stage name ‘Alafin Oro,’ passed away on May 13. Throughout his career, Mukaila captivated audiences with his diverse performances, leaving an indelible mark on Nollywood.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

Date of Death: January 9

On January 9, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), departed after battling a coma. Recognized as ‘The Queen of Nollywood Films,’ her leadership and contributions to the Nigerian film industry earned her the prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) honor in 2012.

Chris Mba

Date of Death: May 3

Veteran singer Chris Mba, known for hits like ‘Funky Situation’ and ‘Baby Don’t Cry,’ passed away on May 3 due to heart issues at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. His distinctive jerry curl and musical legacy defined an era in Nigerian music.

Afeez Agoro Oladimiji – 48

Date of Death: June 15

Nigeria’s tallest man and Nollywood actor Afeez Agoro Oladimiji, towering at 7ft 4, succumbed to Acromegaly on June 15 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. His unique presence on and off the screen made him a notable figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Cindy Amadi

Date of Death: September 14

Actress Cindy Amadi, known for her role in the movie ‘Ìfé,’ passed away on September 14. The producers of the beloved film shared the heartbreaking news on their Instagram account, marking the end of a promising career.

Oluyemi Adeyemi (Suara) – Not Specified

Date of Death: September 24

On September 24, veteran Nollywood actor Oluyemi Adeyemi, popularly known as Suara, breathed his last. Renowned for his role in the 2001 Wale Adenuga hit series ‘Super Story,’ Suara’s contribution to Nigerian television and film industry is fondly remembered.

Cynthia Okereke – 63

Date of Death: July 11

A seasoned actress, Cynthia Okereke, known for her roles in ‘Katakata’ and ‘Idemili,’ passed away on July 11 at the age of 63. Her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, as well as her resilience during the harrowing kidnapping incident in 2021, will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike.

Dejumo Lewis – 80

Date of Death: December 23

Veteran actor Dejumo Lewis, famous for the Kabiyesi role in ‘The Village Headmaster,’ Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera, died at 80 on December 23. Saidi Balogun announced his death on Instagram, marking the end of an era for Nigerian television.

Wunmi Olowokandi

Date of Death: May 16

Actress Wunmi Olowokandi, known for her versatile acting abilities, died on May 16. Her roles in movies like ‘The Return,’ ‘The Fixer,’ and ‘The Antique’ earned her the City People Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015, showcasing her talent and impact in the industry.

Pat Nebo

Date of Death: September 14

Award-winning Nigerian production designer and art director Mr. Pat Nebo, known for his work in films like ‘October 1’ and ‘Being Mrs. Elliot,’ passed away on September 14. His creative contributions to the Nigerian film industry will be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.

John Oboh (Mighty Mouse)

Date of Death: September 18

John Oboh, famous as ‘Mighty Mouse,’ the legendary music producer who created the Ajegunle rhythm in the 90s, died on September 18 in Lagos State. His musical influence continues to resonate, marking the end of an era in the Nigerian music scene.

Hakeem Alamutu – 63

Date of Death: September 18

Hakeem Alamutu, known for his roles in movies such as ‘Abara Meji’ and ‘Oluwo,’ passed away on September 18 at the age of 63. The veteran actor, with a career spanning decades, left an indelible mark on Nollywood with his memorable performances.

Don Brymo (Brymo Uchegbu)

Date of Death: June 15

Nollywood actor Brymo Uchegbu, aka Don Brymo, peacefully passed away in his sleep on June 15. Born in 1966, the Anambra-born actor starred in over 80 Nollywood movies, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy that will be remembered by fans and colleagues.

Iyabo Oko (Sidikat Odunkanwi)

Date of Death: June 28

Veteran Nollywood actress Sidikat Odunkanwi, professionally known as Iyabo Oko, bid farewell on June 28. Before her death, the 61-year-old actress battled with ill-health, taking a long break from the industry. Her contributions to Nollywood, particularly in Yoruba films, are celebrated.

Musiliu Ajikanle – 67

Date of Death: July 31

Veteran actor Musiliu Ajikanle, famous for playing Buffalo in ‘Mufu Oloosa Oko,’ passed away on July 31 at the age of 67. His seven-year battle with a stroke marked the end of a prolific career in Nollywood, leaving behind a legacy in the hearts of fans.

Natty Bruce Idigbogu – 57

Date of Death: November 6

Nollywood actor Natty Bruce Idigbogu departed at the age of 57 on November 6 after battling a prolonged illness. His contributions to the industry, evident in his roles in various Nollywood movies, are remembered by colleagues and fans alike.

Usman Baba Pategi (Samanja) – 84

Date of Death: November 12

Veteran Hausa actor Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja, breathed his last at 84 on November 12 in a private hospital in Kaduna State. A key figure in the entertainment scene since 1973, Samanja’s impact on Hausa cinema is part of his enduring legacy.

As we reflect on the year 2023, we remember these 25 celebrities, each leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment landscape. Their legacies will live on through the stories they told, the characters they portrayed, and the joy they brought to countless fans.