Death is an inevitable part of life but that does not erase the grief and pain it brings to the family of the deceased.
Nigeria had its fair share of grieving as it lost many prominent individuals from politicians to entertainers and pastors.
Below is a list of some famous Nigerians who died in 2021.
TB JOSHUA
On June 5, hours after completing his service in Lagos State, the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) died.
One of the most surprising deaths in Nigeria in 2021 was that of the televangelist, who was renowned for his miraculous abilities and miracles.
His funeral was held in the Ikotun neighbourhood of Lagos about a month after his death, and it drew a large crowd from all around the world.
SCOAN has not been the same since his death, which sparked a power battle inside the church, with some objecting to his wife, Evelyn, being installed as his successor.
SOUND SULTAN
Olanrewaju Fasasi, also known as Sound Sultan, is a multi-talented entertainer who was born on November 27, 1976. Among other things, he was a rapper, actor, model, curator, comedian, and songwriter.
In the early 2000s, he rose to prominence after releasing his first single, ‘Jagbajantis,’ which became an instant smash in the country.
According to a family statement, the 44-year-old singer died on July 12 after “a long struggle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma.”
IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU
Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru died in a helicopter crash alongside ten other military officers in Kaduna State on May 21, just five months after taking over as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
He perished near Kaduna International Airport on a 2021 NAF Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i.
His passing prompted a flood of condolences from both inside and outside the country.
RACHEL ONIGA
The actress, who was born in Delta State but reared in Lagos, died on July 30 at the age of 64 from a heart condition.
Oniga worked briefly at Ascoline Nigeria Limited, a Dutch consultancy firm, before making her significant acting debut in Nollywood with “Onome.”
The seasoned actress has appeared in a number of important Nigerian films throughout the years. She leaves behind three children and a number of grandchildren.
She was buried in Lagos State a month after her death.
BABA SUWE
The great thespian Babatunde Omidina was an actor and comedian who was born on August 22, 1958.
The actor, who was born in Lagos, died on November 22nd at the age of 63.
Since his struggle with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency ten years ago, the humorous actor had been suffering from a partial stroke.
Three days following his death, he was buried in a ceremony attended by prominent Nollywood stars.
DR CHIKE AKUNYILI
Dora Akunyili’s husband, former Minister of Information and NAFDAC chief was assassinated on September 29 in Anambra State.
Dr. Akunyili, his driver, and a police escort were shot by assailants near the Nkpor junction in Idemili North, Anambra State.
He was shot and killed on his way back to Enugu from a memorial service for his late wife.
OBADIAH MAILAFIA
On September 19, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) died in Abuja after problems related to Covid-19.
Mailafia, who died at the age of 64, ran for President of Nigeria in 2019 under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but lost.
He was a staunch critic of Buhari’s regime until his death.
DARE ADEBOYE
Many in the country were stunned to learn of the death of Pastor Dare Adeboye, the son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Pastor Dare Adeboye died without a preexisting sickness, according to reports.
He wasn’t only the son of a preacher; he created a name for himself in the RCCG as the national and international director of youth ministry.
NOMTHI ODUKOYA
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of the Fountain of Life Church’s South African wife died in the United Kingdom on November 9 after a long battle with cancer.
On the 5th of January 2010, late Pastor Nomthi married Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, five years after losing his first wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, in the Sosoliso plane tragedy of 2005.
VICTOR UWAIFO
On August 28, the man best known for his hit songs ‘Mami Water,’ ‘Joromi,’ and ‘Guitar Boy,’ died.
Before his death in Benin City, Edo State, at the age of 80, the multi-talented hero was also a songwriter, sculptor, and educator.
Uwaifo was recognized for his mastery of the guitar and the flute. Between 2001 and 2003, he served as the Commissioner for Arts and Culture in Edo State.
