Entertainment

Iyabo Oko, 12 Entertainers Who Have Passed Away This Year

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2023

As the first half of the year comes to an end, the entertainment industry has indeed suffered some heavy blows, as quite a number of practitioners have been lost to the cold hands of death, with the most recent being a veteran actress, Sidikat Odukanwi, aka Iyabo Oko. Saturday Beats takes a look at the departed

Sidikat Odukanwi

A veteran actress, Sidikat Odukanwi, aka Iyabo Oko, had battled with ill health for some years, which made her solicit financial assistance at a point.

Announcing her death on Thursday, June 29, 2023, her daughter, Bisi Aisha, wrote on Instagram, “It is well, mummy. Rest in peace, Wurami.”

Recall that the actress was rumoured to have died in 2021 and 2022. However, in an interview with Saturday Beats in September 2021, Oko refuted the claims. She said, “I am doing fine. I am not dead. I am very much alive. I won’t die (yet). It is not my portion.”

In another interview, one of her daughters, Olamide, had told Saturday Beats that her mother was diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke. She had said, “What affected my mum was the fact that she was not going for her medical check-ups. She lives very far from the hospital. When she had her last ‘attack’, I had to get a motorcycle to convey her to the junction before I could get a cab to pick her. She was diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke some years back. The first health scare happened about five years ago, but she did not want anyone to know about it.”

Brymo Uchegbu

Another veteran actor, Brymo Uchegbu, aka Don Brymo, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The 56-year-old Anambra State-born role interpreter was said to have died in his sleep.

Confirming the news, his colleague and friend, Mayor Ofoegbu, wrote on Facebook, “Plan for tomorrow but live for today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I wrote those lines on my WhatsApp status yesterday evening. My man, my five and six, Don Brymo Uchegbu, passed away in his sleep. I received the shocking news this morning and had to verify it from his family. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Afeez Agoro

At 7ft 4 inches tall, Afeez Agoro was believed to be the tallest man in Nigeria before his demise on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He reportedly died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, following some health complications.

Before his death, Agoro, who was also an actor, had undergone a successful hip surgery after he sought funds from members of the public.

Murphy Afolabi

A popular actor, Murphy Afolabi, passed away on May 14, 2023, in Lagos. This was nine days after he celebrated his 49th birthday on May 5. The actor had suffered a fall in his bathroom before he died that morning.

Chikezie Uwazie

Another actor, Chikezie Uwazie, died in the United States of America after he reportedly underwent a second brain surgery. His colleague, Obey Etok, revealed the news on Instagram on May 14, 2023. She wrote, “I cannot imagine I am posting this. Chikezie Uwazie is gone after a second brain surgery. I’m so shocked (sic) to get this news this evening.

“I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back, but I did not see you. I cannot believe you are gone, but God knows best. Rest on, Chyko.”

Mukaila Adedigba

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the movie industry was thrown into mourning following the demise of a veteran Yoruba actor, Mukaila Adedigba, aka Sikiru Adeshina. His death was announced by actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod.

Chris Mba

A veteran singer, Chris Mba, died on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital after a long battle with heart disease. He was known in the 1980s for his jerry curl and hit songs such as ‘Funky Situation’, ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ and ‘Love Everlasting’.

The General Manager of Premier Music, Michael Odiong, which Mba was signed to, broke the news on Instagram. He wrote, “The management of Premier Records Limited express sadness on the death of one of its artistes, Chris Mba, who passed away after a long battle with heart issues. We condole with the family and pray God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Saint Obi

A popular actor, Obinna Nwafor, aka Saint Obi, died on May 7, 2023, following an undisclosed ailment. He was said to have been embattled before his death.

The late actor and filmmaker was known for his roles in movies and TV series such as ‘State of Emergency’, ‘Candle Light’, ‘Sakobi’ and ‘Last Party’. He was a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Jos, Plateau State.

Fadeyi Oloro

Veteran actor, Ojo Arowosafe, aka Fadeyi Oloro, was another talent that kicked the bucket this year. He had battled ill health for years before he passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 66.

His death was confirmed by an actor and comedian, Bayegun Oluwatoyin, aka Woli Arole, who wrote on Instagram, “(I am) so happy I reached out to you and we played our part, and laughed together. (I am) so happy we were able to show our support. Rest in peace the legend, Fadeyi Oloro. Let’s check up on people when they are alive. Let’s show love when people can feel it. Let’s help when it can be seen.”

Favour Daniels

Favour Daniels, an actress and skit maker, passed away on February 5, 2023, after she was involved in a boating accident. She was 26.

Femi Ogunrombi

An actor, Femi Ogunrombi, who once played the role of ‘Papa Ajasco’ in the popular sitcom, ‘Papa Ajasco and Company’, passed away on January 14, 2023.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

An Imo State-born filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, Peace Osigwe, died on January 9, 2023, in a hospital in Lagos.

Her death shook in the industry, as many practitioners offered their condolences.

Sunday Akinola

Yet another veteran actor, Sunday Akinola, aka Baba Feyikogbon, passed away on January 9, 2023, at the age of 80 after suffering kidney failure. He gained prominence when he featured in a sitcom titled, ‘Feyikogbon’, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

He had sought financial assistance from the public in 2019 when he said he needed N30m to travel abroad to treat kidney failure and hypertension.

He also stated that his career only made him popular, without making him wealthy.
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Entertainment

BBNaija: I Will Never Go Back On Reality Show – Seyi Awolowo Vows

Published

2 days ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Seyi Awolowo, has vowed never to return to the show if given the opportunity.

Featuring in a recent episode of the Old Secrets podcast, Awolowo lamented that he allowed himself to be bullied by “very low, insignificant and uneducated people” by accepting to be on the show and vowed not to allow that again.

He explained that if he could go back in time, he still wouldn’t change any of his actions in the house, stressing that he has already been chastised and have learned from his mistakes.

He, however, lamented the attitude of some educated elites who also joined in bullying out of convenience.

“I will never go back to the show, Multichoice can’t even call me…

“I allow myself get bullied by very very insignificant and uneducated people. Not to mention the educated ones amongst that have the ability to see the truth but because of convenience, refused to stand by it,” he said.

Entertainment

VIDEO: ‘I Want To See A Baby On My Next Visit’ – Mother-in-law Tells 2Face, Natasha

Published

2 days ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

Philomena Osawaru, the mother-in-law of singer Innocent Idibia, aka 2Face, has told the music star and his wife, Natasha, that she wants to see a baby when next she visits them.

Mrs Osawaru gave the charge at the Idibia’s residence in Lagos on Friday while celebrating the legendary musician’s 50th birthday.

She noted that she’s delighted to have the singer as her son-in-law, and prayed that he continues to age with grace.

“It’s a joy and delight to have you as my son-in-law… Innocent Idibia, at 50, you’re looking 25. When some of us are praying to age gracefully, God has done it for you already. You will continue to age gracefully, In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“By the time we come next, we will see the baby crawling around,” she said.

Video:

https://x.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1969308257706545474?t=Cy0OlrTzc-yWvjAFimcgRQ&s=19

Entertainment

Afrobeats Songs Dominate UK Chart As Rema’s ‘Fun’ Debuts At #2

Published

2 days ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

The Afrobeats wave continues to sweep through the UK music scene, with fresh talents and seasoned stars holding firm on the Official Charts Company’s latest ranking.

American singer Odeal’s Miami maintained its No. 1 position for a ninth consecutive week, but it was Nigerian sensation Rema who made headlines with an impressive debut. His new single Fun entered straight at No. 2, shaking up the leaderboard and cementing his global appeal.

South African star Tyla, whose Is It previously peaked at No. 1, slipped one spot to No. 3, while Ayra Starr climbed to No. 4 with the sultry Hot Body, equalling her career-best position. Burna Boy also held steady at No. 5 with Love, as Tyla and Wizkid’s collaboration Dynamite followed closely at No. 6.

Young Jonn and Wizkid’s Cash Flow dropped to No. 7 in its second week, while rising act Fola achieved a career milestone as You leapt into the Top 10 at No. 8.

Afrobeats powerhouse Asake secured two spots in the Top 10, with Badman Gangsta featuring Tiakola at No. 9, and his J Hus collaboration Gold a former chart-topper rounding out the list at No. 10.