Six deaths which touched Nigerians in 2023

BY EJIOFOR TOOCHI

The year 2023 witnessed a significant number of deaths, which included notable individuals, leaving Nigerians in a state of shock. Their passing deeply affected their families, and the public.

Some of these deaths even led to public outcry due to the circumstances surrounding their untimely departures.

This is a compilation of six deaths which deeply touched Nigerians in 2023.

READ ALSO: List of Nigerian Celebrities who have been involved in Car Accidents in 2022

1. MOHBAD

Mohbad, also known as Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, sadly passed away on September 12, 2023. He was only 27 years old and was married to Wunmi, who had a son for him. Mohbad used to be signed to Naira Marley’s ‘Marlian Records’ but left in 2022. Shortly after his untimely death, he ranked 58 on the Global Digital Artistes Ranking Chart.

His popular songs include Peace, Ask About Me, Ponmo, Feel Good, and KPK (Ko Por Ke) with Rexxie for which he received multiple nominations at The Headies Awards in 2022. There have been controversies surrounding the cause of his death, with accusations involving Naira Marley and Sam Larry, but investigations are still ongoing.

2. PASTOR TAIWO ODUKOYA

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the lead pastor at the Fountain of Life Church, passed away on Monday, August 7, in the United States of America at the age of 67. He had a remarkable career as a petroleum engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation before answering his call to the ministry. He served there until his voluntary retirement in January 1994.

Pastor Odukoya faced tragic losses in his personal life, with the passing of his first wife, Bimbo Williams, in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash in 2005, and the later loss of his second wife, Rosemary Simangele Zulu, to cancer in November 2021.

3. SAINT OBI

Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, died on Sunday 7 May 2023 in his sister’s house in Jos after battling with an undisclosed illness. He was a well-known Nigerian actor, film producer, and director. Sadly, his death was kept secret for a week due to some family disagreements. It’s believed that the cause of his passing was related to the challenges he faced in his marriage to Linda Nwafora, chief enterprise business officer at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

Saint Obi had a remarkable career and starred in movies like Take me to Maama, Candle Light, State of Emergency, and many more. He is survived by his two sons and daughter, Chideta, Obinna, and Nnemdi.

4. PEACE ANYIAM-OSIGWE

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was an amazing Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive, known as “the queen of Nollywood films.” She died at the age of 53 years old on the 9th of January 2023, after being in coma for two days. She founded the Africa Movie Academy Awards, which gained global recognition.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was also the President of the Association of Movie Producers. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were so significant that she was honored by the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2012.

5. MURPHY AFOLABI

Murphy Afolabi was a renowned Nollywood Yoruba actor who passed away at the age of 49. It was reported that he slipped in the bathroom, resulting in his untimely death.

With a filmography boasting over 60 movies, including notable titles like ‘Ifa Olokun’, ‘Omowunmi’, and ‘Jimi Bendel’, Afolabi made a significant impact on the Nigerian film scene. He is survived by his three children, Afolabi Olamilekan, Afolabi Fathia Moyosore, and Okikiola Afolabi.

6. VWAERE DIASO

Vwaere Diaso, was a recent graduate of Babcock University. She tragically lost her life in an elevator crash at Lagos Island General Hospital on August 1, 2023. At just 24 years old, she had a promising future ahead as she was close to completing her housemanship program.

The incident occurred while she was on her way to pick up her food, and despite efforts to evacuate, the rescue took nearly an hour. This heartbreaking event sparked widespread outrage, leading to both offline and online protests by Nigerians.

READ ALSO: How road accidents claimed lives of 128 Lagosians in 2023

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