The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is in mourning following the death of one of its beloved actors, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, better known as Junior Pope. The actor, renowned for his villainous roles, met an untimely end in a boating accident during a movie shoot.
Born on May 7, 1984, in Cameroon, Junior Pope moved to Nigeria at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in the Nollywood scene. Known for his versatility, he often portrayed characters ranging from criminals and militants to hitmen.
His acting career, which began in 2006, saw him feature in over 150 Nollywood movies, including notable titles such as ‘Bachelor Eve’, ‘Vengeance of Bullet’, and ‘Bitter Generation’.
The accident occurred on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, during the filming of a movie titled ‘The Other Side Of Life’. Junior Pope and three of his colleagues were returning from a film location when their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State.
Despite being rescued and initially showing signs of recovery, Junior Pope sadly passed away later. The bodies of three other victims are yet to be found.
Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), confirmed the tragic news on Thursday. In response to the incident, the AGN declared Thursday, April 11, 2024, as “No Shoot Day” for all Nollywood filmmakers.
The guild also placed an indefinite ban on shooting in riverine areas and boat riding. Furthermore, actors have been barred from participating in any movie produced by Adanma Luke, the producer of ‘The Other Side Of Life’, the film that was being shot at the time of the accident.
Junior Pope’s death has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the risks actors often take to entertain their audience. Just a day before the accident, the actor had shared a video of himself crossing a river without a life jacket, lamenting the risks they take for their craft.
The actor’s death comes on the heels of a string of losses for Nollywood. In March, the industry lost three prominent actors, including John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor and Amaechi Muonagor, both of whom died after protracted illnesses. The month of April began with the passing of actress Aderounmu Adejumoke, known for her role in the popular series, Jenifa’s Diary.
Junior Pope is survived by his wife, Jennifer Awele, and their three children. His death serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the sacrifices made by those in the entertainment industry.
As the industry mourns, fans and colleagues alike remember Junior Pope for his contributions to Nollywood and the vibrant characters he brought to life on screen. His legacy will live on in the hearts of many, and his tragic end serves as a sobering reminder of the risks actors face in their pursuit of entertainment.
