4 Things You Didn't Know About Celebrities Who Passed Away This Week

This week ending February 9th, 2024, a number of our veteran Nigerian celebrities passed away. Because these celebrities are older, some people may not be familiar with them or who they were. So, in memory of their lives, I'll be telling you who these people were are and sharing some things you may not know about them. Without further ado, let's jump in.

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1. Jimi Solanke

Veteran Nigerian actor and singer, Jimi Solanke died on Monday at the age of 81. According to reports, he died while being rushed from his country home at Ipara Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan. Before they could reach the teaching hospital, Uncle Jimi reportedly passed away. According to reports, he had been in and out of hospitals since December of last year.

His death was confirmed by Hon Dickson Awolaja representing Remo North State Constituency at the state Assembly where he said: "I got wind of the demise of Pa Jimi Solanke not long ago. His death is no doubt another big loss to us in Remo North and Ogun State as a whole given his worthy contributions to the development of our dear nation. May his soul rest in peace."

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW: Uncle Jimi Solanke was well-celebrated and got to smell his roses before he passed. On his 80th birthday which happened last year, he was celebrated with a week-long of events that started on July 1st and ended on July 8th where a tribute concert of music and art was held for him.

2. Kayode Tijani

Prominent Nigerian sports journalist Kayode Tijani also sadly passed away this week at the age of 55 on Wednesday, February 7th. He died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja following a protracted illness. His death was confirmed by his sister, Dr. Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, a senior lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU).

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW: Kayode Tijani was also the chief executive officer of SportsXclusive, and Sports Focus International.

3. Godwin Izilein

Godwin Izilein, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football coaches, also reportedly died on Wednesday died in Benin City, Edo State at the age of 81. He reportedly died following "abdominal issues" in a hospital in Benin.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW: Godwin Izilein is the coach that led the Super Falcons to win the 2004 WAFCON in Johannesburg.

4. Ethel Ekpe

Veteran Nollywood actress Ethel Ekpe is another celebrity who also lost her life this wek. The news of her death was announced by the Director-General, National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, in a late Facebook post on Wednesday where he wrote saying:

"I have been reliably informed that Ethel Ekpe, (Ethel Aderemi nee Ekpe), the screen beauty that delighted fans with her inimitable interpretation of the role of Segi in the defunct sitcom on Nigerian Television Authority by Ken Saro Wiwa titled ‘Basi and Company’ has passed on."

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW: Ethel Ekpe later became a pastor in her life. She also recently starred in the Ebonylife series Sons of the Caliphate.

May the souls of all these departed rest in perfect peace.

That's All.

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