Entertainment
Nollywood mourns two actresses in 24 hours
Ada Ameh and Oluwasolamipe Onayiga, two of the country’s talented actresses, died within a 24-hour period, sending the movie industry in Nigeria into yet another state of sadness.
Onayiga passed away yesterday morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, while Ada Ameh reportedly passed away in Warri, Delta State, around 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Although the actresses came from very different backgrounds and acting schools, they both left behind a rich body of filmic work and millions of distraught fans and coworkers.
Mr. Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, confirmed Ada Ameh’s death Wednesday and called it “an unfortunate incident”.
He disclosed that the actress passed away on Sunday at a facility run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Warri, Delta State.
Additionally, Mr. Emma Onyemeziem, the chairman of the Delta State chapter of the AGN, confirmed the sad news to Vanguard yesterday. He said they were shocked to learn of Ada Ameh’s passing.
“I’m shocked hearing the news of her demise. I have not been briefed properly on the circumstances surrounding her death. But I learnt that she died in a hospital in Warri, Delta State on Sunday night,” Onyemeziem said.
As soon as the news started spreading, celebrities took to Twitter to mourn the star actress of the popular sitcom, ‘The Johnsons’.
Nancy Isime said: “My heart is so heavy, I don’t even know what to say! one of the people I look up to in the film industry. Rip aunty Ada Ameh. I’ll miss you so much.”
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BBNaija’s Angel Smith wrote: “The fact that we have to experience grief at some point in our lives and then try to live with such an intense emotion is so mind-blowing. If the news is true, Rest well Ada Ameh, I loved watching you on tv. I hope you’re at a place where pain is a fiction of our imagination.”
Do2dtun said: “Ada Ameh’s death is so painful. One of My fav on The Johnsons especially when she says “a lucky lo lo” “Apor” .. she just lost a child and now.. May God put us through our tough times. This one is very painful.”
R.I.P Ada Ameh..Still shocked that she’s dead. She brought laughter & happiness into many homes yet her mental health was ruined with depression! Spiff, Jennifer, Blessing left “The Johnsons” they managed to keep the program going but this is surely the End” Empress Njamah
“I met this woman once on set and she was so sweet like she had known me before. All I could think of was the grief she was experiencing, cause I had seen several videos where she spoke about her mental health. This is really sad. Rest well Ada Ameh.” Saskay.
Before 2020, Ada Ameh lost 6 of her siblings to death (3 brothers, 3 Sisters)
On October 20,2020,she lost her only child, a beautiful daughter which she gave birth to at Age 14.
In March of 2022, she lost yet another sister.
Adah Ameh suffered mental issues which she claimed is taking her life but assured everyone that she will get over it.
She stated that a company sued her because of a job undone due to her mental illness and was asking for a huge amount of money she can’t afford.
Perhaps the actress demise would bring peace into her soul against all odds that becloud her.
In her last post on Instagram on that black Sunday, Ameh wrote: “Happy new week fans. This trip for my friend’s elder sister is just an enjoyment!!!
Ireti’s death
Veteran Actress, Oluwasolamipe Onayiga, who was best known for her role as Ireti in the iconic TV series, Fuji House of Commotion, also died yesterday morning.
Biztellers gathered that she died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where she was admitted for an undisclosed ailment.
Sola Awojobi husband, Pastor Tosin Onayiga, confirmed the incident.
He said she died around 3:45am on Monday.
Also announcing her demise on his Facebook page, is film critic, Dr Shaibu Husseini, wrote: “I have just been informed that the accomplished stage and screen actress and Fellow of Theatre Arts, Auntie Sola Awojobi Onayiga ‘has’ passed on.
“Auntie Sola, who is best known for the role of Ireti a.k.a Catering Practical in the defunct television sitcom, ‘Fuji House of Commotion delightfully,’ reportedly passed on this morning. Journey well, Ma! Journey Well!” he said
After completing her secondary education, the successful actress began working for the Federal Capital Development Authority, or FCDA.
She spent two years as a student at the National Institute of Internal Auditors before leaving to enroll in the Theatre Arts program at the University of Ife, OAU. She began her acting career as a novice. She performed in Fred Agbeyegbe’s The King Must Dance Naked as her first professional gig.
Controversial street-hop singer, Okikiola Badmus, better known by his stage name Portable, has been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, after failing to meet the bail terms set by an Upper Area Court.
The singer was arraigned on Monday following allegations of defamation filed against him by veteran Fuji star, Akorede Saheed, popularly known as Saheed Osupa.
Although the court approved bail for Portable in the sum of N1 million, the conditions attached proved difficult for the singer to meet immediately.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Court Grants Singer Portable ₦1m Bail Over Criminal Charges
The court stipulated that he must produce two sureties in like sum — one of whom must be “either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria,” while the second must be “a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.”
More to follow……….
Entertainment
‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ Will Remain Unofficial National Anthem Until Change Happens – Eedris Abdulkareem
Renowned Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has boldly asserted that his 2001 protest anthem Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to serve as Nigeria’s unofficial second national anthem, insisting it will remain so until the country addresses the systemic issues it critiques.
Abdulkareem, famed for his fearless criticism of corruption and social injustices, made these remarks in a recent interview with Channels TV.
The song, which has seen a resurgence in popularity on platforms like TikTok, was groundbreaking for its uncompromising portrayal of Nigeria’s governmental failures, rampant corruption, and decaying infrastructure.
READ MORE: Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Drops New Single ‘THANK YOU‘
Abdulkareem declared, “Nigeria Jaga Jaga will continue to be the second national anthem, whether anybody likes it or not. But I always pray to wake up one day and find the song is no longer relevant. That would make me very happy.”
Released nearly a quarter of a century ago, Nigeria Jaga Jaga caused a national stir with its sharp criticism of the nation’s political and economic decay.
Even though the song faced government bans and significant backlash at the time, it has stood the test of time, resonating with generations of Nigerians who continue to grapple with the same issues.
Abdulkareem expressed regret that the song’s message remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released: “Until we see real development—constant electricity, security, and good leadership—Nigeria Jaga Jaga will remain relevant. Sadly, 24 years later, the message of the song is still our reality.”
Aside from revisiting his iconic hit, Abdulkareem also addressed the controversy surrounding his latest track, Tell Your Papa. The song, which was recently banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and marked “Not to be Broadcast” (NTB), has ignited a fresh debate on the state of censorship and freedom of expression in Nigerian music.
Many believe that Tell Your Papa is a direct rebuttal to a viral video in which Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passionately defended his father’s administration.
Abdulkareem explained his motivation behind the song, revealing, “I was inspired by Seyi Tinubu. In the video, he kept repeating, ‘My father is the greatest president.’ But I differ. He may be the best father to Seyi, but he’s the worst president to Nigerians.”
The rapper went on to criticize the current administration for its failure to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity, and widespread youth unemployment.
Abdulkareem contrasted the privileged life of Seyi Tinubu with the struggles faced by everyday Nigerians, saying, “I told him to travel by road without security and feel the pain of the people.
Nigerian youths are asking for basic things—electricity, security, job opportunities—not palliatives.”
Despite the ban, Abdulkareem maintained that his song was not an insult but a truthful commentary on the country’s leadership.
“If you listen carefully, there’s nowhere in the song that I insult him. I just stated the truth. He spoke publicly, so I responded publicly. If he had remained silent, I wouldn’t have recorded the song,” Abdulkareem clarified.
Drawing comparisons to the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, Abdulkareem emphasized that his criticism comes from a deep love for Nigeria.
“I’m a passionate Nigerian. I love this country deeply. But truth is bitter, and those in power don’t like hearing it,” he said. “I want a better Nigeria, and I’ll keep speaking out until we see real change.”
An Upper Area Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted bail to controversial Nigerian singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in the sum of ₦1 million.
Portable was arraigned before the court on Sunday on charges bordering on criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.
Ruling on his bail application, the court ordered that the singer must produce two sureties in like sum.
READ ALSO: I Want To Fight Anthony Joshua – Portable
One of the sureties is required to be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a landed property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy as proof.
The court has adjourned the case, with further proceedings expected to continue in the coming days.
Details later…
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