Nollywood actor Junior Pope Odonwodo has been confirmed dead, just hours after initial reports indicated he had been resuscitated following a fatal boat accident. The film star was said to have fallen into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state while on his way to a movie location, accompanied by several other actors.
Abubakar Yakubu, the national secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), initially told reporters that Pope was "alive but in a coma," and that a medical team had been called to revive him. However, in a saddening update, AGN president Emeka Rollas later confirmed the actor's passing, saying, "It is so so sad that our joy was shortlived."
Rollas explained that two hospitals had tried their best to save Pope, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. "God knows the best. We finally lost him," he wrote on Instagram, expressing the deep grief felt by the Nigerian film community.
Nigerians have been left utterly devastated by the news, with fans and fellow actors taking to social media to mourn the untimely loss of the talented performer. Many expressed shock and disbelief, struggling to come to terms with the tragic end to a life that had brought so much joy and entertainment to audiences through his work.
The death of Junior Pope Odonwodo has undoubtedly left a void in Nollywood, and the outpouring of sorrow and heartbreak from the Nigerian public is a testament to the impact he had on the industry and the hearts of his fans. As the entertainment world mourns this tragic loss, the legacy of this beloved actor will undoubtedly continue to inspire and be celebrated for years to come
