4 Prominent Nigerians Who Died During Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

The Eid-el-Fitr festivities in Nigeria in 2024 were characterized by a blend of joyous celebrations and somber moments as the nation mourned tragic losses that occurred during the holiday period.

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers in Nigeria convened on Wednesday, April 10, to participate in prayers for Eid al-Fitr, signaling the conclusion of Ramadan. This annual celebration holds significant cultural and religious importance for Muslims worldwide, culminating a month of fasting and spiritual reflection based on the lunar calendar.

As part of the global Muslim community, Nigerians joined in the joyous observance of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan’s fasting period. However, amidst the festivities, the nation was confronted with sorrowful news of significant losses that left many in mourning.

These losses, occurring during a time traditionally marked by communal joy, cast a somber tone over the holiday celebrations.

Despite the festive atmosphere surrounding the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the nation was not immune to the profound grief experienced by families and communities mourning the loss of prominent individuals. These losses, occurring in the midst of a time typically associated with spiritual renewal and communal gatherings, added a poignant layer of sorrow to the holiday season.

As Nigerians came together to commemorate Eid al-Fitr and bid farewell to Ramadan, they also grappled with the reality of mourning prominent figures whose passing left a void in their communities. Amidst prayers and festivities, the nation collectively mourned the loss of these individuals, reflecting on their contributions and enduring legacies.

In this article, we have gathered four prominent people whose deaths threw many Nigerians into mourning.

1. Junior Pope and Four Other Nollywood Crew

The gifted Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, recognized by his stage name Junior Pope, tragically passed away on Wednesday, April 10, alongside four fellow crew members.

It was gathered that Junior Pope and the crew were riding on a boat leaving the movie location when they were involved in an accident in the Anam River in Anambra State.

A few hours after the demise of Junior Pope made rounds online, the actor was reportedly taken to a mortuary without a doctor’s assessment, where it was found that he was not dead.

Instead of taking the deceased to the hospital, he was reportedly taken to a shrine for certain sacrifice before being admitted to a hospital.

However, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas Ejezie, confirmed Junior Pope’s death in the early hours of Thursday, April 11.

2. Osolo Of Isolo Dies After Eid Prayers

The Paramount ruler of Isolo in Lagos State, Osolo of Isolo Land, Oba Kabiru Alani Agbabiaka, also died on Wednesday, shortly after observing the Eid prayers.

He died at the age of 64, three months before the celebration of his 20th coronation anniversary.

3. Ex-Kogi Gov, Ibrahim Idris’ Son Dies After Eid Prayers

Muhammed Idris, the son of former Kogi governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, died on Wednesday, April 10.

It was gathered that he died in his Abuja home just after returning from Eid prayers this morning, marking a sorrowful end to the Ramadan celebration for the family.

4. Buhari’s Ex-Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu

A former Minister of Science and Technology under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Ogbonnaya Onu, died on Thursday, April 11.

Onu, who is the first civilian Governor of Abia State, died in an Abuja hospital.

The former governor reportedly died after a brief illness in an undisclosed hospital in Nigeria.