Family, fans, and celebrities gathered to mourn the late actor John Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope, as he was laid to rest in his hometown of Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State. The funeral took place on May 17, 2024, at Saint Peter’s Catholic Parish, Ukehe, with Rt Rev Godfrey Onah, Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, officiating.
Videos from the ceremony showed Junior Pope’s wife, Jennifer Awele, surrounded by their sons, family members, and colleagues, all dressed in black. Celebrities and fans expressed their grief and shared tributes online. Tonto Dike wrote, “Our saddest loss yet. May his soul rest in perfect peace.” Zubby Michael, who visited the family, said, “It is like a film. Rest in Peace, Oloye.”
Sarah Martins lamented, “Your only offence was going out on that fateful day to look for your daily bread. I don’t wish this kind of painful death on anyone.” Dave Ogbeni, a close friend, said, “I will miss you greatly but I will never forget you, my blood.”
Singer Kcee, who attended the funeral with his brother E-Money, announced their intention to support Junior Pope’s children. He said, “My brother, who is the godfather of Pope’s first son, has said we would take care of the children. We are not doing it to show off but because of his last statement before he died.”
Junior Pope’s funeral rites began on April 23 with a requiem mass at Saint John-Mary Vianney Parish in Asaba, Delta State. An evening of tributes and candlelight was held on May 14 in Enugu, and a wake took place on May 16 in his hometown.
Prominent figures at the funeral included Hanks Anuku, Emeka Rollas, Don Brymo, Queen Wokoma, Destiny Etiko, Rita Edochie, and Benson Okonkwo. Rita Edochie expressed her heartbreak, saying, “I never imagined a day would come when I would have to bid him farewell.”
Junior Pope died on April 10 while filming “Other Side of Life.” He is survived by his wife and three sons. The burial arrangements will conclude with a thanksgiving mass at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Ukehe.
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