Nollywood actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo, sadly lost in a recent boat accident in Anam River, Anambra State, is gone but will not forgotten. His sudden death shocked many Nollywood fans in Nigeria and beyond, especially the fans who have followed his acting career from when he first joined the industry.
Junior Pope has been blessing us with his applaudable acting talent for years and we cannot help but say we will definitely miss him on our TV screens. Let’s keep his memory alive by remembering popular movies where the late actor displayed his exceptional acting skills to the world:
1. Wrong Initiation (2018):
This was a very interesting thriller that portrayed Junior Pope as a young man trapped into the world of secret organizations and the dangers that came with it. The story revolves around Pope who was of the opinion that dragging Jude Thomas Dawam’s character, Stone, into their Kadash Group by all means necessary was the only way to solidify their connection.
The late actor was presented with a lot of moral dilemma and heart-breaking decisions in this one. His acting, however, proved his captivating presence and his gift of embodying his characters effortlessly. The movie was directed by Nnaemeka Nani Boi Eze, and it also featured Lorenzo Menakaya and Nnamdi Alexander Mezue.
2. Honey Money (2023):
This one was released just last year, so it is one of the movies most of his fans will remain fond of to remember the talented actor and his impeccable acting ability. In this beautiful film, Junior Pope played the role of Tobiloba, a young man in his late 20’s with a very humble background.
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However, as he began to show up at home with items he simply could not afford, his responsible parents became a pain in his neck. Unknown to them, Tobiloba was already a staunch member of a notorious gang. The film also starred Nancy Isime, Timini Egbuson, Iyabo Ojo, and Lina Idoko, plus it was directed by Ekene Mekunye.
3. Blood Affair (2021):
Junior Pope featured in the movie that focuses on passion and betrayal. Its story centered around a woman who is filled with self-hate and found herself in a toxic marriage.
Junior Pope delivered a brilliant performance as the multifaceted character of Gozie, and the movie delved into the hollow world of a conflicted marriage which made the late actor get in touch with his emotional side.
Ken Steve Anuka was the director of Blood Affair, Pope played the role of Gozie, Emeka Enyiocha was Dozie, Calista Okoronkwo was Ozioma, and Rita Edochie was Akunne.
4. No Way Through (2023):
Another recent movie from the talented Junior Pope. This film told us the story of Jolade Okeniyi, a single mother of a teenage daughter, who was trying to survive life despite its challenges. Her primary source of income, however, came from working for the local drug cartel around her home as a driver.
Jolade was eventually apprehended by the police and forced to inform the cartel. Not supplying the authorities with vital information about the heads of the drug cartel will send both her and her daughter to jail, but divulging anything incriminating is also a death sentence by the drug dealers.
In this one, Pope’s character was faced with lots of impossible choices and he was afforded the opportunity to showcase the full extent of his talent to viewers at home. Chinaza Onuzo was the director, Funke Akindele played Jolade Okeniyi, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha was Deaconess Rebecca, late Junior Pope Odonwodo played Lotanna, and Chidi Mokeme was Apostle.
5. Adissa (2023):
The title of this movie already screams hero, and that is exactly what the film was about. The story revolved around an unusual hero who found himself in a place of no return, trying to save the life of a king.
Junior Pope played a courageous and resolute character in this one, and the movie helped him to underscore his versatility and ability to portray memorable heroes. The project featured Okey Amakor, Junior Pope Odonwodo, Frances Nsonwu Ikoroha, Eve Esin, and Theodorah Eze, plus it was directed by Cas Chidiebere and Erico Isika Goodnews.
Tributes From Fellow Actors To Late Junior Pope:
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O Kanayo, wrote, “How can I sleep well, writing another condolence message a few weeks after my other colleagues passed on. Now, it’s for my son, ‘Ikenga’, in the rested series, ‘Professor Johnbull’ by Globacom.
Yesterday’s brouhaha about waking up and dying, only showed how much Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike prayed for Junior Pope to live. There are many questions to raise on this unfortunate and tragic incident.
The death of Pope and other colleagues could have been avoided with just minimum standards of acceptable operational guidelines for practitioners in the different guilds of the industry. The movie industry needs hygienic sanitation and internal cleansing from non-professional conduct. Actors, big or small should understand that they are not superhuman.
Let me use this opportunity to call on the AGN President, Emeka Rollas, to issue a declaration to all producers who do not work to professional engagement standards, i.e. involvement in sexual harassment, collecting money to cast for roles, who do not feed artistes, who cast actors solely on ownership of cars, non-payment of artiste fees etc to order. To the bereaved families, I extend my condolences. May their souls rest in peace. Oh Lord, please, grant us some respite.”
Jim Iyke wrote, “Dear lord, I am no stranger to devastating loss. I will not dare question your will but my heart is so heavy with too many questions. Words fail me. To the giver and taker of life, I surrender, but this one is a different pain—a different loss, broken in ways I don’t even understand. Rest with God, JP.”
Ruth Kadiri also had her say, “My heart is broken. As filmmakers, we all are guilty of taking certain risks for this job. In fact, getting home at 3am is almost a norm in this business. I cannot throw stones; I cannot ask why. This is a call to remind us that passion doesn’t save lives. JP, may God receive your soul, and grant your family the heart to bear the loss!”
Nosa Rex, a close friend of the deceased had this to say, “My hope was raised when I heard you made it. The news made my mind swell. Afterwards, my hope crashed again. You died before you died. For now, rest in peace, my brother. The person you have told to tell your story will when the time is right.”
Rita Dominic wrote, “Sometimes, one can’t even find the right words. But who are we mere mortals to question God? May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, amen.”
Dave Ogbeni wrote, “On the day before the accident, we were drinking together after watching the Arsenal/Bayern Munich match. He said, ‘Dave, I think it’s time I told the bloggers my story’. I said, ‘Bro, it hasn’t got to that. We can settle this without the world knowing. He looked me in the eyes and said what do you mean, since December? I’m dying gradually and you’re telling me not to tell the world? If I die, you will be the one to tell the world my story’. Then, he died the next day.”
Ini Edo added, “Junior Pope did not have to sacrifice his life for Nollywood to realise the need for a long and much needed regulatory structure that would safeguard an entire production. The system has to undergo a total overhaul with practical rules and regulations that cater to everyone in cases of emergencies, Rest on brother, this one cuts really deep.”
The President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria and Chairman of the Federation of Nollywood Guilds and Association, Victor Okhai also said, “It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of the tragic demise of some of our members in a boat mishap.
The death of actor, Junior Pope and three other crew members— Abigail Frederick (Vice Chairman CDGN, Akwa Ibom State, and make-up artist), Precious Oforum (sound man) and Joseph Anointing (Gaffer), who were on the on the set of Adamma Luke’s ‘The Other Side of Life’ is no doubt one tragedy too many.
We sympathize with their family members and their various associations. and promise to launch an inquiry into the cause of this tragedy.”
Lessons To Be Learnt From Junior Pope’s Death:
1. It is important to adhere strictly to safety regulations in all aspects of your life. Always prioritize safety first before every other thing and never forget to follow every single guideline provided for using boats and canoes to the smallest detail. Avoid taking unnecessary risks that could jeopardize the air you breathe, it is never worth it in the long run.
2. Try to offer quality assistance and support when a fellow human being is in a life-threatening situation. Do not be the Nigerian that is more bothered about exploiting these moments to create content because it could be your life getting exploited someday. Genuine help and compassion can save a life if the people around do the right things.
3. Don’t allow anybody to mock you for implementing safety measures that can save your life. Ignore friends and acquaintances who try to label you a scared rabbit or question your courage when you try to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances.
4. Never forget that life is very unpredictable and we humans can come face to face with death at any time. Therefore, always prioritize staying alive by doing all you can to not expose yourself to dangers you can easily avoid. This is very important, not just for actors, but for you reading as well.
5. Educate yourself on several aspects of life because you never know when such knowledge can be useful. Try to expand your understanding about a lot of things we come across in our daily lives and that awareness might just be your lifesaver during a life-threatening situation.
Never forget that we all have one life that must be managed effectively in good health while we all fulfill our different purposes on earth.
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