While the Nigerian entertainment industry will be ending 2022 on a high, the beautiful strides achieved by the industry key players was dented with the various unfortunate cases of celebrities who passed on in the industry.
The entertainment business had multiple deaths, including those of actors, singers, and reality TV stars, which devastated the grieving families and fans.
Here are 10 famous demises that shocked the entertainment industry in 2022, listed in no particular order:
Ada Ameh
The Nollywood Veteran, Ada Ameh, passed away at the NNPC hospital in Warri, Delta State, on July 17, 2022. She died at the age of 48.
The award-winning actress was mostly known for her major role as Emu in the Africa Magic family series, The Johnsons.
She was buried on Friday, August 26, 2022, in her father’s compound in their hometown of Otukpo, Benue State.
Sola Onayiga
The seasoned actress,Sola Awojobi Onayiga, in Nollywood, passed away on July 18.
The actress with the gap in her teeth gained fame for her role as Ireti in the now-defunct family drama Fuji House of Commotion.
Fans of the drama series and co-stars Ngozi Nwosu and Jude Orhorha expressed their sorrow over the loss of Onayiga.
Sammie Okposo
The well-known gospel performer, Sammie Okposo, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, November 25, 2022. His age was 51.
He was honored on Tuesday, December 13, in Lagos State, and on Wednesday, a service of songs was organized in his honor.
On Friday, December 16, Okposo was laid to rest in a private cemetery in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Biyi Bandele
The Nigerian novelist, dramatist, director of Half of a Yellow Sun, and co-director of the Nigerian series Blood Sisters, Biyi Bandele died on August 17, 2022.
On Friday, September 23, 2022, he was laid to rest in Lagos.
The late filmmaker’s family and close associates attended the low-key event.
Lari Williams
Lari Williams, the first National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, passed away on February 27, 2022, at the age of 81.
The AGN and the local Artistes Village community commemorated the multifaceted artist’s life and times on Friday, April 15, 2022.
On Thursday, April 14, 2022, he was laid to rest in his hometown of Yala Nkum in the Cross River State municipality of Ikom.
Rico Swavey
Big Brother Former season 3 housemate of Big Brother Naija, Patrick Fakoya, also known as Rico Swavey, was involved in a car accident that resulted in him being placed on life support. Two days after the tragedy, on Thursday, October 13, 2022, he passed away.
He was eventually buried at the Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Chinedu Bernard
The delectable and beautiful Nollywood actress Chinedu Bernard was confirmed dead at the East Side hospital Enugu after she slumped while cleaning the Chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church Federal Housing.
Choco as she is popularly known has featured in many movies including The Big Mama’s Stick, Money fever, The Mad, The Last Manhood, Mad Love etc.
Tafa Oloyede
The late Yoruba actor, John Adewuni, died at his residence in Osogbo on February 1, at the age of 69.
The veteran actor, who came into the limelight in 1974 under the tutelage of the late theatre icon, Oyin Adejobi, had featured in several movies, including Akanji Oniposi, Jaiyesimi, Ayanmo, Orogun and Ekuro Oloja, among others.
He was laid to rest in his home town of Ede, Osun.
Romanus Amuta
The Veteran Nollywood actor, Romanus Amuta passed away after battling a protracted illness at the age of 79.
He made waves after he played Natty in the popular 80’s sitcom “New Masquerade”.
Yinka Ogundaisi
The veteran actor, Yinka Ogundaisi, died on the Wednesday, June 15, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos.
Before his death, Ogundaisi suffered from leg paralysis and asked for financial assistance to undergo surgery. However, the target fund could not be met.
Ogundaisi was a cinema, television, and radio actor, writer, and director.
Leo Mezie
The Popular Nollywood actor, Leo Mezie, died at the age of 46 on Saturday, 14th May 2022.
He was said to have died while recovering from a kidney transplant.
Dejo Tunfulu
The Yoruba actor Dejo Tunfulu, whose real name is Kunle Mac-Adetokunbo, died on April 1, 2022.
He was a well-known comedian, writer, and producer of Yoruba descent.
Chinedu Nwadike
The Nigerian actor, preacher, and gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike, died on 27 March 2022.
He had struggled with kidney failure for a while before passing on. He appeared in numerous films, including Divine Sisters and Run Away Prince.
