Junior Pope laid to rest in Enugu amid tight security
Written by MaxAbuja1 on May 17, 2024
Junior Pope Odonwodo, the acclaimed Nollywood actor, was solemnly laid to rest in his hometown of Nsukka, within the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. The actor’s untimely death occurred in April due to a tragic boat accident on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.
Pope’s family had earlier announced that his final rites would be conducted on May 17. True to their word, the actor’s remains arrived in Nsukka on Friday, May 17 morning.
The community gathered to honor him with a funeral service held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, Ukehe.
Notable Nollywood celebrities, including Zubby Michael, Ruby Ojiakor, Linc Edochie, Queen Wokoma, Chinwe Owoh, and Rita Edochie attended the burial ceremony. These stars joined the late actor’s family, friends, and colleagues in a display of profound grief and respect as his body was lowered into the ground in his family compound.
The funeral venue was heavily guarded, with security operatives comprising police officers and local vigilante groups ensuring the safety and orderliness of the event. This level of security underscored the significance of Pope’s stature and the community’s commitment to honoring his memory with dignity.
In a statement on April 19, the Enugu State government had promised the Odonwodo family that the actor would receive a befitting burial. This promise was visibly upheld during the meticulously organized event. Additionally, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) took a firm stance last week, banning unauthorized photography and video recordings at the funeral to maintain the solemnity and privacy of the occasion.
Junior Pope Odonwodo leaves behind his wife, Jennifer Awele, and their three children. His illustrious acting career began in 2006, but he rose to prominence after his performance in the 2007 film ‘Secret Adventures’. Over the years, he featured in a plethora of movies such as ‘Throne of Tears’, ‘Always Mine’, ‘Mad Sex’, ‘Blood Affair’, ‘Gbege’, and ‘No Way Through’. His talent and dedication to the craft were recognized in 2010 when he was awarded the ‘Most Promising Actor’ category at the Nigeria Entertainment Factory Awards.
Pope’s legacy continues to live on through his extensive body of work and the indelibl e impact he made on Nollywood and its audience.
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