President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, has solemnly announced the passing of actor Obumneme Odonwodo, known as Junior Pope.
Taking to Instagram, Emeka Rollas shared the heartfelt news that despite efforts by two notable hospitals, Junior Pope couldn’t be revived after his body was retrieved, leaving them deeply saddened.

Initially, reports of actor Junior Pope’s demise circulated, prompting widespread shock. However, the President of the Actors Guild, in a social media update, contradicted these reports, confirming that he was alive. Viral videos even surfaced, depicting efforts to revive him, with claims that he had come back to life. Emeka Rollas, in his subsequent update, expressed deep sadness, revealing that their initial joy was short-lived. He explained that his earlier post was made in excitement upon noticing signs of life, but despite the efforts of two notable hospitals, Junior Pope couldn’t be revived. Emeka Rollas lamented their loss, stating, “God knows the best.” He also mentioned the identification of Mr. Friday’s body but noted that three other corpses were yet to be found.

The tragic incident occurred as the actor and three colleagues were returning from a movie location in a boat, which capsized in Anam River, Anambra State. Just hours before the accident, Junior Pope shared a video of himself taken on Monday, April 9, 2023, praying fervently for a safe journey.

Junior Pope is survived by his wife and three children, leaving behind a grieving family and a saddened entertainment community.