It has been a memorable and a noteworthy year for the entertainment industry, as the loss of several beloved celebrities has left both the industry and fans in shock and grief. In no particular order, here are 10 celebrity deaths that have shaken the showbiz world in 2022:
Ada Ameh
Actress Ada Ameh, was born in Benue State. She passed away on Sunday in Warri, Delta State on June 17th at age 48.
Ameh had publicly shared her struggles with mental illness after she lost her only child. She had mentioned that her mental health struggles had caused her to be unable to complete a job she had taken.
A tribute event was held in her honor on August 18, and she was buried on August 26 in her hometown of Otukpo, Benue State.
Adekunle Adetokunbo
On April 1, 2022, the news that Adekunle Adetokunbo, popularly known as Dejo Tunfulu, a comic Yoruba actor passed on was broken.
His death caused shock and disbelief among his fans, who initially hoped that it was an April Fool’s joke. Unfortunately, it turned out to be true. It was gathered that the 50-year-old actor battled with chronic kidney disease for several years before he succumbed to death.
And on the set of his new film, Dejo Tunfulu reportedly complained of headache and then experienced unexpected bleeding. He was taken to the hospital where he kicked the bucket.
Sola Awojobi Onayiga
Sola Awojobi, was another Nollywood actress, died in 2022. She was known for her role as Ireti in the television show “Fuji House of Commotion,” she passed away on July 18th.
The news of her death was shared by a film critic and specialist Husseini Shaibu on Twitter. Ireti was well recognized for her gap-toothed smile and she was a well-respected actress in the industry.
Sammie Okposo
It was a sad experience for the Nigerian entertainment industry when it lost yet another prominent singer, Sammie Okposo to the cold hands of death in November.
Okposo, died in Lagos after he reportedly slumped while he was being treated for exhaustion.
He will be remembered for his contributions to the Nigerian music scene and his talent as a performer.
A tribute night and service of songs were held in his honor, and he was buried in a private cemetery in Ikoyi, Lagos on December 16.
Biyi Bandele,
Biyi Bamidele who was a Nigerian novelist, playwright, and film director, passed away on August 17.
A statement released by his family on Monday said he kick the bucket at 54 years old.
He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.
He was laid to rest in Lagos on September 23 in a ceremony attended by his family and close associates.
Lari Williams,
He was the founding National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, died on February 27 at the age of 81 after a brief illness. A celebration of his life was held on April 15, and he was buried on April 14 in his hometown of Yala Nkum, in Cross River State.
Rico Swavey
Rico was a former Big Brother Naija season 3 housemate and he died at the age of 29, on October 13 after being involved in a car accident.
He was a Nigerian lawyer who participated in the Big Brother Naija television series, 2018 edition.
After he was involved in an accident, Nigerian entertainers organized a fundraiser for him under the hashtag “PrayForRicoSwavey,” which trended in on social media. Unfortunately, the news of his death was later announced.”
A tribute night and candlelight walk were held in his honor on October 19, and he was buried at Ebony Vaults in Ikoyi, Lagos on October 20.
Osinachi Nwachukwu
Osinachi, a gospel singer, passed away on April 8 at the age of 42 after being hospitalized in Abuja. Following reports of domestic violence leading to her death, the Federal Government filed 23 charges against her husband, accusing him of culpable homicide.
Tafa Oloyede
Popularly known as Baba Oloyede, a Yoruba actor, died at his residence in Osogbo on February 1 at the age of 69. A concert was held in his honor on February 10, and he was buried in his hometown of Ile-Ife on February 11.
Leonard Onyemachi,
Leonard Onyemachi a well-known actor, passed away on May 14, 2022 after a long struggle with kidney disease. He achieved fame through his performance in the Nollywood movie “Labista,” but ultimately lost the battle with kidney disease after undergoing a transplant four years prior. His death has been a loss to the entertainment industry and to his loved ones.
Chinedu Nwadike
A gospel minister, passed away on March 27, 2022 after a battle with an undisclosed illness. He was well-known for his hit songs “Marry Me” and “God of Vengeance.” His loss has been deeply felt within the music industry and by his fans.
