Entertainment
Remembering Legends: Nollywood, Gospel, and Media Icons Who Died In 2025
The Nigerian entertainment and media industry experienced a year of profound loss in 2025, bidding farewell to several legends whose talents left lasting impressions on film, music, comedy, and journalism.
Fans, colleagues, and stakeholders have been reflecting on the contributions and legacies of these icons.
Asa Koko
Veteran Yoruba actor Asa Koko passed away on January 30, 2025, after battling illness for over two years.
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Filmmaker Kunle Afod confirmed his death on Instagram, describing him as a key figure in Yoruba cinema whose distinctive acting style earned him recognition over a decade-long career.
Pat Ugwu (Sugar Girl)
Nollywood actress Patience Ugwu, popularly known as Sugar Girl, died on February 5 at the age of 35.
Known for films like Lack of Money and Port Harcourt Lady, she also ran a fitness and beauty business. Actor Emeka Okoye expressed his shock on Instagram, calling her death “frightening and unusual.”
Columbus Irosanga
Veteran actor Columbus Irosanga, famous for his native doctor roles in Nollywood films, passed on February 6, 2025.
He also served as a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, contributing decades of experience to film and television.
Anike Agbaje Williams
Broadcast pioneer Anike Agbaje Williams died on February 27 at 88 years old in Ibadan, Oyo State.
She was the first face on African television in 1959 and the first voice on the continent’s inaugural commercial radio station, leaving an enduring mark on African broadcasting.
Nkechi Nweje
Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje passed away on March 21 after a brief illness. Known for her emotional roles and strong screen presence, her passing prompted widespread grief across social media.
Bolaji Olanrewaju (Big Bolaji)
Gospel singer and pastor Big Bolaji died on April 19 at the age of 50 after a short illness. Widely respected in the gospel music and church communities, his music inspired many across Nigeria.
Kayode Peters
Film and theatre producer Kayode Peters passed away on June 28 in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness. Colleagues remembered him as a dedicated mentor and creative force in the industry.
Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran)
Veteran Yoruba actor Chief Kanran died in August 2025, leaving behind a legacy of humour and memorable performances in stage and film productions.
Adetola Samad (Sanku)
Comedian and skit maker Sanku died on September 1 in a car accident along Ogbomoso Road, Oyo State, which also injured several passengers.
Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu
Broadcast journalist at Arise TV, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, was tragically killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence on September 29, aged 29.
Dan Agbese
Veteran journalist and columnist Dan Agbese, one of Nigeria’s most influential media figures, passed away at 81 in November 2025, leaving a legacy of integrity and mentorship.
Allwell Ademola
Nollywood actress and producer Allwell Ademola died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 43.
Hours before her death, she posted a heartfelt video on Instagram, praying for strength to see through the year.
Her sudden passing left fans and colleagues in shock.
The year 2025 will be remembered not only for the creative milestones achieved in Nigeria’s entertainment and media industry but also for the immense talent lost.
These legends may be gone, but their contributions, memories, and legacies will continue to inspire future generations.
Entertainment
After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill
Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly declared love and appreciation for her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised split.
The emotional moment occurred during their son King Andre’s 10th birthday celebration held in Abuja, where Dikeh offered heartfelt prayers and words of affirmation for Churchill in the presence of guests.
In a video from the event that has since gone viral on social media, the actress described Churchill as “an amazing father” and expressed gratitude for his role in their son’s life.
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“You are an amazing father, thank you so much,” she said. “Your businesses will flourish; whoever curses you shall be cursed. I love you with the love of God.”
Dikeh further prayed for Churchill’s family and children, asking for divine protection, success and progress in all their endeavours.
“I pray for your family. I pray for your business. I pray for all the children. They will progress. Failure will not meet them. Everything that they touch will be blessed,” she declared.
The development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former couple, whose marriage ended in 2017 amid allegations and public disputes that dominated entertainment headlines for years.
Recently, Dikeh revealed that they had reconciled and “buried the hatchet,” signalling an end to their long-running feud and a renewed focus on peaceful co-parenting.
Churchill later married actress Rosy Meurer in 2021, and the couple have two children together. Despite past controversies, both families appear to have embraced maturity and mutual respect.
The birthday celebration and Dikeh’s public declaration have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many applauding the former couple for putting aside differences for the sake of their son.
Entertainment
Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.
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“This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement read.
Johnson-Okojie, a renowned actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with nearly two decades in the industry and appearances in over 200 films.
Beyond her acting career, she is the founder of the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, child welfare, educational support, and healthcare outreach.
The Edo State Government expressed confidence that her influence, public appeal, and grassroots connection would help boost awareness of government programmes and encourage citizen participation in state policies.
Her husband, Odianosen Okojie, represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The appointment has sparked conversations across social media, with supporters describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between governance and the entertainment industry.
Entertainment
How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate
Preliminary autopsy results have ruled out food poisoning as the cause of death for two Nollywood production crew members found dead at a movie set in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on February 7, 2026.
The victims, 36-year-old cinematographer Walter Odediran and his childhood friend Godstime Imeh, Lighting Director and Chief Officer of GeeTee Light, were discovered lifeless inside a Nissan car owned by Imeh, parked within the premises of Evercare Hospital, where a film was being shot.
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According to sources, the autopsy revealed that one of the victims had an empty stomach, while the other had only a small amount of food — “almost as if he hadn’t eaten anything,” a source said.
Walter Odediran’s elder brother, Kola Odediran, confirmed that the family had received the preliminary autopsy report. He said: “The autopsy itself is complete, and no food was found in my late brother.
“The results indicate he did not eat anything. But they are going to carry out toxicology and histology tests, which will provide the definitive answers we are looking for.”
To determine the exact cause of death, experts will conduct additional tests on blood and tissue samples to find out whether the victims ingested or inhaled any harmful substances before their deaths.
These results are expected in two to three weeks.
Relatives of the deceased, as well as colleagues in the Nollywood industry, are awaiting the findings with bated breath, hoping the upcoming tests will shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
















