By Amaechi Agbo

Late popular Nollywood actor Johnpaul Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Jnr Pope will be buried on May 17, 2024 in his village in Uke he, Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According the burial programmes released by the family and signed by Dr Divine Odonwodo, Late Pope’s burial arrangements commenced on Tuesday, April 23rd with a requiem Mass at
St John-Mary Vianney Pansh, Asaba, Delta State.

Another requiem mass will be held on Monday 13 May, 2024 at Christ the King Parish, GRA in Enugu State

Evening of tributes and candle light will hold on Tuesday, May 14 at Amadco Event Centre, Enugu. This will be followed by wake keep in his honour at his country home, Uwala Abaka in Ukehe town on Thursday, May 16.

Burial mass will hold on Friday, May 17, 2024 at St Peter’s Parish, Ukehe by 10am.

Jnr Pope tragically lost his life on 10th April during a boat Mishap in River Niger in Asaba, Delta State

Enugu State Governor Mourns Late Jnr Pope

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has received with sadness the unfortunate death of the Nollywood actor, Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope.

The governor in a statement issued by his Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, said the state has lost one of its most talented sons, describing his death as heart wrenching.

“Indeed, the death of Jnr Pope
came at a time Enugu state is working so hard to develop the creative potential of its youths for self reliance, employers of labour and export of their talents outside the shores of Nigeria.

Mbah expressed deep regrets that such talented, young Nigerians could lose their lives in such unfortunate circumstance.

The governor commiserated with the bereaved families, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the entire Nollywood industry on the loss of their members in an ill fated boat accident that occurred along the River Niger .

He promised that the state shall work in concert with the family to ensure a befitting burial for the late movie icon.

Jnr Pope who hailed from Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu state alongside three of his colleagues, lost their lives in the tragic boat accident on River Niger while returning from a movie location on Wednesday.

He began his Nollywood career in 2006, working his way up from supporting roles to global fame.

Renowned for his versatility, he effectively switched between roles, playing characters ranging from bodyguards to villains, earning accolades such as the Nollywood Most Promising Actor in Nigeria award in 2010.

Junior Pope demonstrated his exceptional talent in over 150 films, gaining recognition at prestigious events such as the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice (AMVC) Awards and the Africa Movie Academy (AMA) Awards.

He left behind his wife and three kids.