Celebrity Deaths 2023: Famous Faces, Notable Figures We Said Goodbye To

In the realm of Nigerian entertainment, 2023 saw the deaths of entertainment icons as well as the devastating loss of many stars. The difficult year witnessed a series of heartbreaking losses that reverberated across the nation. As we remember the year gone by, this feature unveils the famous faces and notable figures (actors, singers and stars we said goodbye to this year) who left indescribable void in the industry. These unexpected departures cast a somber shadow over the world of Nigerian entertainment. LEADERSHIP Sunday pay tribute to their lives and legacies.

1. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba

Ilerioluwa Oladimej Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, was a Nigerian musician who passed away on the   September 12, 2023, he’s death was one of the most shocking and controversial of the year 2023, the death of the singer came as a shock, to his fans, family and friends and also caused a lot of anger and pain amongst them and the country at large.

 2.Saint Obi

Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, was a Nigerian actor, film producer and director.  He died on May 7, 2023, in Jos, at the age of 57 following an illness. The news of he’s demise did not only come as a surprise but left he’s fans in total shock, but his legacy will continue to live on.

3.Murphy Afolabi

Murphy Afolabi was a Yoruba actor, filmmaker and a father of 3, who started his acting career at a very young age, he was reported dead on May 14, 2023, just few days after celebrating his birthday. His death came as a shock to his fans and colleagues in the industry.

4. Peace Anyiam Osigwe

Peace Anyiam Osigwe, was the founder of the prestigious African movie academy awards (AMAA), and also a television and film director. She was popularly known as the queen of Nollywood films; the news of her death was a shock to the entire Nollywood family and her fans. She was reported to have been in a coma on the 7th of January 2023, and was reported dead on January 9, 2023.

5. Don Brymo Uchegbu

Don Brymo Uchegbu,  was a Nollywood actor popularly called Don Brymo. He passed away on June 15, 2023, at the age of 56. It was reported that he slumped on a movie set and was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

6. Dejumo Lewis

Dejumo Lewis, was a veteran Nigerian film and television actor famous for the ‘Kabiyesi’, role in the village headmaster, a soap opera that ran on NTA, from 1968 to 1988. He was confirmed dead on December 23, 2023. Though details surrounding his death are yet to be known, his demise has actually left his fans in total panic.

7. Femi Ogunrombi

Femi Ogunrombi, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, featured in the comedy television series created by Wale Adenuga production in 1997. He was confirmed dead on January 14, 2023.

8. Cindy Amadi

The late Nollywood actress, Cindy Amadi, played the role of a lesbian in the movie titled “Ife”, she was among the celebrities whose demise took a toll on not just her fans, but the entire Nollywood industry. She died on September 14, 2023, and the cause of her death is still not known.

9. Chikezie Uwazie

Chikezie Uwazie, was a Nollywood actor who died on May 14, 2023.It was reported that he died while undergoing brain surgery in the United States.

10. Afeez Agoro

Afeez Agoro, was widely regarded as the tallest man in Nigeria. He passed away on June 14, 2023, after a prolonged illness commonly known as gigantism. He passed at the age of 47, and before his demise, Agoro was 7ft 4in tall. The intimidating height of the deceased, who featured in several Nollywood movies, attracted attention wherever he went.