Entertainment
JUST IN: Jnr Pope Is Dead – AGN President
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has officially confirmed the passing of Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, widely known as Junior Pope.
In honor of Pope and the three crew members who tragically lost their lives in a boat accident on Anam River in Anambra on Wednesday, the Guild has designated Thursday as a “No Shoot Day” for all Nollywood filmmakers.
Junior Pope and his companions were returning from a film shoot when their boat capsized in Anam River, Anambra, on Wednesday.
Initially denying Pope’s demise, Rollas later clarified the situation on his Instagram page on Thursday, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic turn of events.
He said “My first post was out of excitement when we noticed his tingling fingers. Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail. God knows the best. We finally lost him.”
On the suspension of the film shoots, Rollas said in a statement: “Following the tragic incident of a boat mishap that claimed the life of Junior Pope and three other crew members at waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10th of April, all films that involve riverine areas and boat riding is hereby suspended indefinitely.
“No Shoot on all locations nationwide on Thursday, 11th April 2024 and the film titled “The other side of Life” is suspended indefinitely.
“Also, no actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice, while we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons. May their souls rest in peace,” he added
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66.
Hassan reportedly died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling cancer.
The actor’s death was announced by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, in an emotional video circulating on social media.
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In the video, Kira, who was visibly distraught, repeatedly said, “My daddy is dead,” as she announced the passing of her father.
The development came days after Kira and her sister, Haleemah, disclosed that the veteran actor had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
The sisters had appealed for public support as the family sought treatment options for their father.
Hassan was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly in Yoruba-language productions, where he established himself as one of the veteran actors with a long and influential career.
