The year 2022 has been a lovely one for a lot of people, with good memories and great adventures. However, the year has also brought tragedy as several well-known and prominent individuals have passed away. Daily Trust highlights famous individuals who have previously brought smiles to our faces but passed away during the year.
1. Ada Ameh
Ada Ameh was a popular Nigerian actress and comedian who spent over two decades in the movie industry. The veteran actress came to stardom after she played the leading role of Anita in the popular movie “Domitila” in 1996, and as Emu Johnson in the award-winning Nigerian television series titled “The Johnsons”.
On the 17th of July 2022, Ameh was reported dead after she had collapsed in Warri. The 48-year-old thespian had suffered from mental health issues before her death. A homage occasion was held for her by the Actors Guild of Nigeria on 18 August 2022. Ada was later buried on 26 August at her hometown in Otukpo, Benue State.
2. Osmond Gbadebo
Osmond Gbadebo is a Nigerian Nollywood Actor and film producer. He is popularly known in the Yoruba movie industry.
Gbadebo’s death came as a high blow to Nigerians on the 30th of May 2022. According to reports, the actor had a long battle with a terminal ailment which led to his death.
Pele’s family gather at his hospital bedside on Christmas Eve
Nollywood’s Leading Men of 2022
The actor came to the limelight after being featured in films like Hired Killer, Queen Lateefat, Edunjobi, and Ewon Ife. Gbadebo passed away in his forties.
3. Alaafin of Oyo
The 45th Monarch of the Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was the traditional ruler of the Yoruba town of Oyo.
The Alaafin ruled the Oyo Empire for 51 years, the longest reign of any Alaafin of Oyo in contemporary chronological history.
The Alaafin died at the age of 83 on 22 April 2022 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State, after developing difficulties related to prostate augmentation.
The Monarch’s death was announced on several media platforms on the morning of the next day, when his remains had already been returned to Oyo for the initial traditional rites, which began with the slaughtering of a goat at the gate of the palace, called Oju Abata, to imply the demise of the monarch.
4. Osinachi Nwachukwu
Osinachi Nwachukwu was a Nigerian gospel musician who achieved fame after her popular track “Ekwueme”.
On the 8th of April 2022, the singer was reported dead. Meanwhile, Osinachi’s cause of death was alleged to be a result of domestic violence. Her husband Peter Nwachukwu was arrested in connection and is still facing trial at the Abuja high court.
5. Rico Swavey
Nigerian reality TV star Patrick Fakoya, commonly known as Rico Swavey, is one of the most popular Nigerians who passed away in 2022.
Rico came to the limelight after he entered the Big brother Naija season 3 “Double Wahala” edition.
Rico was involved in a motor accident on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. After being rushed to the hospital, several of his colleagues like Alex Asogwa and Actor Tobi Bakre revealed his condition and asked several Nigerian for their help and support in other for Rico to get well.
Unfortunately, Rico died on Thursday 13th of October 2022.
6. Dablixx Oosha
Nigerian trap artiste and rapper, Oniyide Azeez, best known as Dablixx Osha, was one of the few Nigerian artistes recognized for trap style of music.
The “No feelings” artiste died on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 after he had complained of stomach pain.
According to his friends, Dablixx complained about stomach pain and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead
Weeks before the artiste’s death, he had released a song titled “Pray we live long” where he claimed his mother dreamt that he had died.
7. Dejo Tunfulu
The demise of Kunle Adetokunbo, popularly known as Dejo Tunfulu, came as a great blow and shock to several Nigerians.
Dejo is a popular Yoruba Actor, comedian, and movie producer. He attained the name “Dejo Tunfulu” for playing a humorous stammerer in Nollywood movies.
The movie star has been active in the movie industry for more than two decades. He came into the limelight after he featured in a popular television programme titled “Theatre Omode”
It was gathered that the 53-year-old thespian battled with chronic kidney disease for several years, which led to his death on April 1, 2022.
8. David Osagie
Veteran Nollywood actor, Sir. David Osagie, was a Nollywood Actor, Screenwriter, and Movie Producer. He is well known for his illustrious roles as King in movies.
The demise of the actor was reported by a colleague, Ngozi Ezeh. According to the actress, David wasn’t ill. He had just finished a movie set and upon reaching his hotel room, he was pronounced dead.
“I hate to say this but we have lost another Nollywood king, Sir David. He was not sick, it just happened. How do we explain this, another loss in Nollywood? Oh Lord have mercy. I mourn again oh.” Ngozi revealed.
David Osagie is best known for playing the role of a king or an elderly in Nollywood movies. Some of his films include The Royal Battle, My Sorrow, My Pain, and Lost Battle.
9. Ifeanyi Adeleke
Ifeanyi Adeleke is the son of popular Afrobeats artiste, Davido.
The young Adeleke died on the 31st of October 2022 as a result of drowning in a swimming pool at his father’s home in the Banana Island Area of Lagos State.
According to reports, the parents had left town and dropped the three-year-old boy in the custody of a nanny in the house.
Following the death of Ifeanyi, the Nanny and all domestic staff in the house were detained by the police for questioning.
10. Onayiga Sola
Veteran actress, Onayiga Sola, was a popular actress in the Nigerian movie industry.
She is best known for playing the character of one of the wives in the popular television series “Fuji House of Commotion”
The actress passed away On Monday, 18 July 2022. Her death was disclosed by a colleague, Shaibu Husseini, on his Facebook page.
“I have just been informed that the accomplished stage and screen actress and a fellow of Theatre Arts, Auntie Sola Awojobi Onayiga, ‘has’ passed on.”: he wrote.
It was also revealed that the actress had suffered from Sickle cell anaemia all her life, which led to her death. Two weeks before her passing, Sola was admitted to the ICU section of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
