ASABA, Nigeria – The Nigerian film industry has lost one of its brightest stars, Junior Pope Odonwodo, known professionally as Junior Pope, under tragic circumstances.
The actor, aged 39, drowned during the production of a movie on a river in Asaba, Delta State, in the southern region of Nigeria.
This incident, which occurred Wednesday, April 10, 2024, has cast a shadow over the vibrant Nollywood community, prompting calls for increased safety measures on film sets.
According to reports provided to the press, the accident occurred in the absence of critical safety equipment, including life jackets, and the lack of immediate rescuers on-site.
Earlier today, Junior Pope had shared a video of himself in a boat on Instagram saying, “See me lamenting……The risk we take to entertain you ; crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket…… Na wahoooooo …. Who does that ?? 👆 @adanmaluke production👆 #swagnation #whodoesthat.”
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Despite efforts to save himself, Pope, a celebrated figure in African cinema, succumbed to the fatal conditions, leaving behind a legacy as a father, husband, actor, model, and television personality.
Pope’s career in Nollywood was marked by dynamic roles that showcased his range and depth as an actor, endearing him to fans across Nigeria and beyond.
