The Nollywood community was hit with another wave of grief as Jennifer Odonwodo, the widow of late actor Junior Pope, announced the death of his father, Ozor Luke Odonwodo. The news came through a heartfelt post on her Instagram page on Wednesday, where she revealed that her father-in-law passed away last month. He was in his eighties.
Junior Pope, whose real name was John Paul Odonwodo, died on April 10, 2024, in a tragic boat accident on the River Niger while heading to a movie location in Asaba, Delta State. The accident claimed the lives of four other crew members. The loss was deeply felt across the Nigerian film industry, and now, the death of his father just a year later has reopened fresh wounds.
In her Instagram tribute, Jennifer described her late father-in-law as a loving and selfless man who always put his family first. “Ozor Luke Odonwodo is one man that genuinely loved me, and I’m so thankful I got to spend time with him even though short unknowingly in his last days,” she wrote.
She also recalled a touching moment with her mother-in-law, Reme, who had called her shortly after his passing. “Some days later, Reme (my mother-in-law) called, asked how I and her boys were doing, and then said that her husband had gone to meet my husband,” Jennifer shared. She noted how painful it was to hear that both father and son were now gone within such a short time span.
“He passed as an octogenarian who lived a good life, paid his dues, sacrificed a lot for his family and loved ones, and happily reaped the fruits of his labour,” she added.
Nollywood actors and actresses expressed their condolences under Jennifer’s post. Actress Destiny Etiko wrote, “Chai. Take heart my woman.” Actress Nzube Onyia added, “The Lord is your strength, Jay dear,” while Sonia Ogene noted, “Oh chai it is well, my condolences.” Actor Benson Okonkwo also wrote, “Stay strong dear.”
The family continues to mourn the loss of two pillars within a year. Jennifer ended her tribute with a prayer for peace and strength, saying, “Adieu father and son. You are sorely missed, but we hold onto the resurrection promises in John 5:28-29 and Acts 24:15.”
