TOFARATI IGE writes on the deaths of three Nollywood actors— Murphy Afolabi, Adedigba Mukaila (Alafin Oro) and Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi); and a sound technician known simply as Techno Sound, in a space of days
When actors, filmmakers and fans woke up on Sunday (yesterday), they did not expect that they would be thrown into another round of mourning after crying in quick succession over the deaths of some notable personalities in the industry in the space of some days. But, that was exactly what happened when news filtered in that an actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, had passed on that morning.
Afolabi, who acted in Yoruba movies, was said to have fallen in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.
A filmmaker and the president of a guild of Yoruba movie directors, Seun Olaiya, shared the sad news on a WhatsApp platform populated by filmmakers. He was corroborated by the Managing Director of the popular movie marketing company, Corporate Pictures Nigeria Limited, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq.
Olaiya wrote, “I swear to God just before the news, I was still hailing him. This is really a rude shock to me.”
A showbiz personality and convener of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, also confirmed the news to our correspondent. He said, “It is true. He passed away after taking a fall in his bathroom at his house in Ikorodu this morning.”
Another filmmaker, Tunde Ola-Yusuf, posted a picture of the late actor on Facebook and added the quote, “Rest in peace. May God give the family and close associates the fortitude to bear the loss. Good night, Murphy Afolabi.”
Yet another filmmaker, Fidelis Duker, wrote, “What is really happening? I am just watching him in a movie now.”
A film director and the organiser of the popular comedy show, ‘Night of a Thousand Laughs’, Opa Williams, added, “So, death is becoming this cheap?”
A veteran actress, Kofoworola Atanda, popularly known as Madam Kofo, wrote, “So sad. May the supreme Almighty Allah rest the gentle soul of actor, Murphy Afolabi, in absolute peace and grant his loved ones the grace to bear this unfortunate loss…Masha Allahu.”
Another actress, Dayo Amusa, expressed her grief on Instagram. Posting a picture of the deceased, she wrote, “We celebrated your birthday just a few days ago. I am deeply sad and shocked on hearing this sad news. Oku nsunkun oku (the dead is crying for the dead). Death is hard and cruel. I pray that may his soul rest in peace.”
Disbelievingly, a popular actor, Odunlade Adekola, posted a pitch-black image and added the caption, “Jesus Christ. We lost Murphy.”
A popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, wrote, “I am in total shock. May God grant you eternal rest, Murphy.”
Actress, Liz Da-Silva, posted a picture of a lit candle on Instagram and added the caption, “Hmm…Murfiano, as I call him. Oku nsunku oku (the dead is crying for the dead). Rest in peace is so difficult to write, but I wish you a peaceful exit as you face your next journey that no human can explain.”
An actor and filmmaker, Damola Olatunji, shared a picture of the deceased on Instagram and added the caption, “Murphy, but why? We all celebrated your birthday on May 5, not knowing it was you saying goodbye.
“Vanity upon vanity, everything we do is ‘vanity’, empty, futile and short-lived. It doesn’t matter if you’re wise or a fool ultimately, because everyone ends up dying. Rest on, bruv. Sunnnre ooo (rest in peace).”
Another actor, Kunle Afod, wrote, “Black weekend in the industry. We lost four people in the space of two days. Rest in peace, Murphy Afolabi, Saint Obi, Adidigba, and Techno Sound.”
Born on May 5, 1974, Afolabi got into the movie industry in 2001. Prior to that, he had studied Theatre Arts and Film Production at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. He appeared in over 60 movies before his death, including ‘Ifa Olokun’, ‘Omowunmi’, ‘Jimi Bendel’, ‘Wasila Coded’, ‘Olokiki Oru’, and ‘Idera’.
Barely 24 hours earlier, news had filtered in that a veteran actor, Saint Obi, had passed on at the age of 57 after a protracted illness. He was said to have battled the undisclosed sickness for months before he finally succumbed to the cold hands of death.
A report by a blogger, EmDee David, claimed that the actor passed away in Jos, Plateau State, some days ago, but there has been no confirmation or denial of that from his family, colleagues and other sources.
- Why I won’t pray for late Murphy Afolabi — Islamic cleric
- Adeleke mourns Murphy Afolabi
- Fans mourn Nollywood actor, Saint Obi
The story by David read in part, “He was said to have passed on after some months of going back and forth to the hospital, treating an undisclosed ailment. Till now, no official announcement has been made.
“Our correspondent, who visited no 13 Metropolitan Street in Tudun Wada, Jos, where the sister lives, gathered from residents around the area that ‘someone’ in that compound had died, but they were not sure of the identity of the deceased. However, a resident in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the actor, who he had seen a couple of times, died on Sunday (May 7, 2023) and that the following day, his body was taken to the morgue at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.”
However, there was initial confusion when a Twitter user, @Mazi_Duce, who claimed to be the actor’s relative, stated that he was not dead. Messages sent to him by The PUNCH had not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.
Born on November 16, 1965, the actor started his career in 1996 and has appeared in several movies and TV series, including ‘Sakobi’, ‘Candle Light’, ‘Heart of Gold’, ‘Festival of Fire’ and ‘Last Fire’.
Expressing shock at his demise, popular actress, Destiny Etiko, wrote, “Jesus!”
Popular comedian, Alibaba, wrote, “Rest on, giant.”
An actor, Kenneth Nwadike, who described the late Obi as his uncle, wrote, “Thank you all for your prayers. My uncle was a good man, and he will be missed. Now, I have to continue the legacy for our family and I pray I make the impact he made as an actor. God rest your soul.”
A politician and social media personality, Reno Omokri, posted a picture of both of them together and added the caption, “Signing a copy of my book, ‘Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God’, for Obinna Nwafor, better known as Saint Obi, in my office at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Wednesday, July 30, 2014.
“The gentlest and most noble Nollywood actor I ever met. No airs about him; very down to earth. Unusually modest and made every effort to make those around him feel comfortable.
“In short, the specimen of gentlemanliness. May God bless him. May God bless his family. May God bless Nigeria. In Yeshua’s Name.”
Another politician, Ahmed Garba, wrote, “RIP Saint Obi. You filled our screens with your talent for decades. We will miss you. May God rest your soul in peace.”
Sharing her grief with her followers, a popular actress, Stephanie Linus, wrote on Instagram, “This is truly shocking and heartbreaking. Losing someone you know and have worked with can be incredibly difficult. I had worked with Saint on several movies, and it is so sad to hear of his passing. May God give his family the strength to bear this loss and endure the difficult times. Your work and impact will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Saint.”
Other Nollywood personalities that passed on over the weekend were a veteran actor, Adedigba Mukaila, aka Alafin Oro; and a sound technician, Techno Sound.
Paying condolence to the late Adedigba, a veteran actor, Yinka Quadri, wrote, “Alfa Mukaila Aderibigbe, may your gentle soul rest in peace.”
An actress, Kemi Afolabi-Adesipe, who is suffering from an autoimmune disease, lupus, and revealed in 2022 that her doctors had given her low chances of survival, wrote, “Phew, rest in peace, sir. Death is a debt everyone owes and must pay.”
Another actress, Funke Etti, wrote, “Ya Allah; rest in peace.”
A controversial actor and activist, Yomi Fabiyi, wrote, “May his soul rest in peace.”’
Mourning the late Adedigba, Kunle Afod, wrote, “Another library is burnt down today. A great philosopher, an icon with so much Yoruba knowledge, and a lover of God. You departed this sinful world (in the) early hours of today. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Rest in peace, Adedigba. We will surely miss you. We drank from your river of knowledge; we know how important you were. The sad news this morning really broke my heart.”
An actress, Tosin Olaniyan, added, “Ahhh…may his soul rest in peace.”
FAQs
Death shakes Nollywood as three actors, technician die in one week? ›
The film industry of Nollywood is left shaken, as three actors and a technician have died within a week. Actors Murphy Afolabi, Adedigba Mukaila (Alafin Oro) and Obinna Nwafor (Saint Obi); and a sound technician called Techno Sound have all passed away within a few days of each other.
Which Nigerian actor died recently 2023? ›Peace Anyiam Osigwe passed away on the 10th of January 2023, after she was in a coma for a period of time. The popular Nollywood actor, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, professionally known as Baba Feyikogbon died after suffering kidney failure. He died at the age of 80.
What is the name of the Nollywood actor that died recently? ›Barely 24 hours after the death of a popular Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, a Yoruba popular actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, is reportedly dead. The thespian, who acted in Yoruba movies, was said to have fallen down in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.
Which female Nollywood actor died recently? ›Nollywood veteran, Ada Ameh, died on July 17, 2022, at the NNPC hospital in Warri, Delta State. She was aged 48. A 'Night of Tributes' event was organised by the cast and crew of the popular TV series, 'The Johnsons', in her honour as the lead actress of the series, on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Freedom Park, Lagos.
Which Yoruba actor died recently? ›Veteran Yoruba actor, Prince Adewale Adeyemo, died on Monday morning after a brief illness. The news was announced by fellow actor, Kunle Afod, on his Instagram page.
What celebrity died in 2023? ›In memory of the actors, musicians, authors, and other famous faces who have died in 2023, including Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Tom Sizemore, Raquel Welch, Lisa Marie Presley, among others. Read on to remember their life and work.
Which Nigerian actor died 2015? ›Muna Obiekwe (born 1979) was a Nigerian actor. He was one of the most popular actors in Nigeria. On January 18, 2015, Obiekwe died from kidney disease.
Which Indian actress died in 2023? ›Lalitha Lajmi (Actress, Artist) (DoB: 17 October 1932, DoD: 13 February 2023) Acclaimed Indian painter and actress Lalitha Lajmi breathed her last on 13 February 2023 at the age of 90.
Which comedy actor died recently? ›“Mamukkoya (77), one of the finest comedy actors ever in Malayalam cinema passed away.
What is the oldest actress dies? ›As of 7 September 2022, after the death of American actress Marsha Hunt, she became the oldest celebrity and living actress in the world. Serbian actress Branka Veselinović has died at the age of 104 in Belgrade.
Which Nigerian actor died in a car accident? ›
Nigerian artiste and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Rico Swavey has been confirmed dead after a ghastly accident. On Tuesday 11 October, a colleague of his, Alex Asogwa aka Alex Unusual, shared the sad news about his involvement in a ghastly car accident on her Instagram account.
Which Nollywood actor is accused of killing his wife? ›Nollywood actor Rich Oganiru allegedly kills wife, confesses in Kuje Prison. According to what National Enquirer Magazine reported this week's edition, Rich Oganiru`s name might not really ring a bell again but he`s one of Nollywood`s very good actors and stakeholders.
Which popular Nigerian gospel singer died recently? ›Gospel singer, Sammie Okposo has slumped and died. SaharaReporters learnt from a source in the entertainment industry that the 51-year-old music producer slumped on Friday morning and died. He was the CEO of Zamar Entertainment and collaborated with many gospel artists.
What caused Murphy's death? ›Reports say that Murphy Afolabi died of an accident at home. He reportedly had a fall in the bathroom of his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, because of which he had a head injury. The actor succumbed to his injuries.
What celebrities have passed away this year? ›- Barbara Walters. Sept. ...
- Sonya Eddy. June 17, 1967 – Dec. ...
- Brad William Henke. April 10, 1966 – Nov. ...
- Christine McVie. July 12, 1943 – Nov. ...
- Jake Flint. 1985-Nov. ...
- Irene Cara. March 18, 1959-Nov. ...
- Nicki Aycox. May 26, 1975-Nov. ...
- Jason David Frank. Sept.
#1 Dwyane Johnson
Dwayne Douglas Johnson is also among the most well-liked actors worldwide. Therefore, he is the Most Popular Person in the World as of 2023. This American businessman, actor, and former professional wrestler enjoy a global following.
Tina Turner
The legendary singer, known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, died after a long illness at her home near Zurich in Switzerland, according to PA.
Justus Esiri listen(20 November 1942 – 19 February 2013) was a veteran award-winning Nigerian actor, generally considered to be one of the pillars of Nollywood with an acting career that goes way back to the 1960s.
Who famous was dead in 2016? ›Remembering Muhammad Ali, Prince, Patty Duke, Edward Albee, Pat Summitt, Gene Wilder, Phyllis Schlafly, David Bowie, Elie Wiesel, Shimon Peres, Nancy Reagan, Arnold Palmer, Harper Lee and others who died this year.
Which player died recently? ›Siphamandla Mtolo: South African footballer dies at age 29 after collapsing in training | CNN.
Who died on stage recently in India? ›
Edava Basheer collapsed while performing at the event to mark the 50th anniversary of a popular music troupe, Bhima's Blue Diamond Orchestra. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Music lovers in Kerala mourned the demise of popular playback singer Edava Basheer, who collapsed on stage at a music event held in Alappuzha.
Which Indian actress died in 2005? ›...
| Parveen Babi | |
|---|---|
| Died | 20 January 2005 (aged 50) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Resting place | Santacruz Muslim Cemetery, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupations | Actress model |
The popular comedian with over two million Facebook followers died when he was involved in a car accident around Rumuodara East West road, in Port Harcourt area of Rivers State. Bros JayKay's death came days after reaching two million followers on his Facebook page.
Which Indian comedy actor died recently? ›Bollywood actor, comedian writer and director Satish Kaushik has died. He was 66. News of his death was confirmed by Kaushik's friend and Indian actor Anupam Kher, who posted the news on social media.
What actress lived to 105 years old? ›Connie Sawyer worked as an actress in Hollywood well past her 100th birthday.
Which Nigerian actor died and resurrected? ›Meet the Nigerian actor who died and resurrected three days later in a morgue. Nollywood actor, Jerry Amilo, has shared his testimony of how God's mercy was upon him after he was fatally injured in an accident.
Who is the Nigerian lady that died during surgery? ›A 23-year-old girl, Destiny Benjamin, has been reported dead four days after a hip surgery, popularly known as Brazilian Butt Lift, BBL, at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Lagos. Various social media platforms have been awash with the viral video of the procedure since her death.
What actor died in a car accident recently? ›LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Comic actor Leslie Jordan, a prime-time Emmy winner for his role on the hit sitcom "Will & Grace" and a social media sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic, died on Monday in a car crash while driving to work in Hollywood, a spokesperson said.
Who is the Nollywood actress that cries a lot? ›Nkiru Sylvanus
Shortly after the film was released, she earned a reputation as the 'crying mama' of Nollywood as her illustrious roles required her to shed tears all the time.
Popular Nigerian Actor Hans Anuku reportedly runs mad, captured roaming on the streets? In a new video going viral of the popular Nigerian Actor, the actor can be seen in what looks like a video of him running/walking on the street like a madman with dirty torn clothes.
Who is the popular Nollywood actress? ›
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is widely considered to be the most popular Nigerian actress. Omotola Jalade is a big celebrity and influencer in Nigerian entertainment. She has been in the industry for over two decades, becoming a household name due to her iconic roles on screen and advocacy for humanitarian causes.
Which Nigerian actor died in church? ›Actors guild demand autopsy on actress Chinedu Bernard who died in church. Kindly share this story: The Actors' Guild of Nigeria has demanded an autopsy on a Nollywood actress, Chinedu Bernard, who was confirmed dead in a hospital after she slumped while cleaning a church on Friday.
Which gospel musician was kidnapped in Nigeria? ›Gospel singer found dead two months after being kidnapped on way to Jos from Abuja. Nigerian gospel artiste identified as Precious Orogun, has been gruesomely killed by suspected bandits.
What gospel singer lost a child? ›Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, adopted Maria Sue from China in 2004. Just a few years later, the 5 year-old was struck by an ATV driven by one of the Chapmans' sons and died. The singer shared his grief and heartbreak through his music, something that he said was a family decision.
What crime did Murphy commit? ›Brian Murphy Sentenced To 45 Months In Prison For Conspiracy To Commit Mail And Wire Fraud Through Benchmark Capital Ponzi Scheme.
Why did Murphy go blind? ›Early Life. Murphy Mason was a foster child who was adopted by Hank and Joy Mason when she was a toddler. She lost her sight completely due to retinitis pigmentosa at the age of fourteen. She spent years spiraling into drunkenness and anti-social behavior before meeting Tyson.
Does Murphy get cured? ›He does, however, show genuine concern for his daughter Lucy, when the Man tries to threaten her and when he later kidnaps her. He goes with the group to save her, though he is injured and taken to Zona due to this. In season four, he has seemingly been cured by the scientists at Zona, and his skin has grown back.
What happen to Saint Obi? ›Veteran Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi is dead. The talented thespian passed away at the age of 57 on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Jos, Plateau State. Report said the actor died at the home of one of his siblings.
Was Saint Obi married? › How old is Saint Obi? ›Obi died on 7 May 2023, at the age of 57.
How many children did Saint Obi have? ›
The Saint would be blessed with three beautiful children.
Where is Saint Obi from? ›Saint Obi was born on 16 November 1965 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He was an actor and director, known for Take Me to Maama (2002), Festival of Fire (2002) and Benita (1999). He died on 7 May 2023 in Jos, Nigeria.
What is the origin of Saint Obi? ›SAINT OBI is a Nigerian born actor, filmmaker, consultant, Entrepreneur and social crusader. He is personified as Nollywood's "Mr. Quality"
Which saint refused to be married? ›Saint Philomena
Having seen Philomena's beauty and having been impressed with her manners, Diocletian asked for her hand in marriage as a sort of peace treaty. Her parents accepted the offer, but because Philomena had vowed her virginity to God, she refused the marriage proposal.
Monica: Patron Saint of Married Women. St. Monica was born in the 4th century to a wealthy Christian family.
Who is the saint of wives? ›St. Monica is the Patron Saint of mothers and wives. Saint Monica was an exceptional role model who continued her strong faith in God through turbulent times with her family.
When was Obi born? › How old is Sam Dede now? › Is Pete Edochie rich? ›Pete Edochie is a Nigerian iconic veteran actor and one of the most successful in Nollywood with a net worth of $3.8 million. He started his acting career in the 1980s with the movie Things Fall Apart, an adaptation of Chinua Achebe's best-selling novel wherein he played the character of Okonkwo.