The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is mourning the tragic loss of actor Junior Pope, real name Pope Obumneme Odonwodo.
The 36-year-old actor passed away on Wednesday, 10th April, after a boat accident while filming in Anambra State.
Initial reports suggested Junior Pope may have survived the capsized vessel on the Anam River. However, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, later confirmed his passing after efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
“It is so so sad that our joy was short-lived. Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail. God knows the best. We finally lost him,” Emeka Rollas, president of the AGN, said in an Instagram post.
Three other crew members are also believed to have died in the accident, with search efforts for their bodies still ongoing.
Junior Pope was known for his lively and charismatic roles, and his sudden death has left a void in the Nigerian film industry.
Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, directors, and fans across the country. The cause of the accident is still being investigated, and concerns have been raised about safety protocols on Nollywood film sets, especially when filming involves water.
To pay tribute to Junior Pope and the other victims of the accident, the AGN has declared today, 11th April, a “No Shoot Day.”
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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