The wife of late Nollywood actor Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope, Jennifer Awele Odonwodo has shared an emotional tribute to her late husband to mark one year since his tragic death.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Junior Pope died along with other crew members after drowning in the Anam River in Rivers State.
The actor died on April 10, 2024, while returning from a movie shoot produced by Adanma Luke, sparking public outrage, especially towards the producer, who was accused of not putting safety measures in place.
Jennifer took to her Instagram page on Thursday to describe the last 12 months as extremely difficult, saying every day has been filled with thoughts of her late husband.
She also shared photos of herself and her three sons sitting in front of a large portrait of the late Junior Pope. They wore white clothes with inscriptions such as “Envy of every woman,” “Who does that?”, “God over everything,” and “Swag Nation.”
She wrote, “It’s been one year of standing in the face of our unimaginable loss, and not a day has gone by without a thought of you. Your love still surrounds us, your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your presence is felt in the quiet moments when we miss you most.
“You have no idea how tough it’s been, trying to stay strong for each other even as the world around us seems fallen apart. The grief remains heavy, the absence left a void that words can never fill, but through it all, we look up for strength from heaven as a guiding light.
“Oh death, you have taught us to live each day as it comes, one step at a time bearing such extreme pain that can never go away.”
She also expressed how heartbreaking it has been following the children’s questions about promises he made to them and when he would return back.
“I still don’t have the right words to respond to Jason and Jaden wanting to know if Daddy will fulfil his promise of taking them to a proper football academy and be present at their first official match.
“They said, ‘Daddy told them he wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world’. Then the littlest one (J papa as fondly called by daddy), Jamon, keeps asking when daddy is bringing the big toy car he promised him,” she wrote.
Junior Pope’s widow futher appreciated everyone who sympathised with the family and stood and still stand by them through the time of grief. “Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for your love and support towards us.”
She continued on her late husband, “To our beloved, you did not only leave us, your family but so many who loved you and loved your works. It is so difficult and unbelievable to say these words, but still, continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty. You will always be in our hearts and our thoughts, and your memories and legacy will live on forever.
“Though you’re no longer by our side, you live on in every memory, every smile and every tear. We shall carry you with us always until we meet again. We cannot question God, right? May Your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace, My Love.”
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