Grief filled the town of Uwala Abaka, Ukehe, in the Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, on Friday, May 17, 2024 as actor John Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, was laid to rest.
The burial rites began at 10:00 am with a commendation mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Parish, Ukehe. Following this, a lying-in-state took place at his father’s compound, where family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers paid their final respects before the body was moved to a private venue for interment at around 1:30 pm.
The ceremony was marked by a somber atmosphere as those who knew and loved the late actor gathered to honour his memory.
Jennifer Awele, the late actor’s wife, was seen weeping uncontrollably at the start of the final funeral procession.
Recall that the 43-year-old actor tragically died on April 10 along with four others when their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie shoot.
Veteran actress Rita Edochie expressed her sorrow at the burial, stating, “I was heartbroken when I heard the sad news of Junior Pope’s death.”
Present at the event includes friends, family and members of the Nollywood community.
