Death is a phenomenon that is quite difficult to comprehend and even more challenging to come to terms with, yet it remains inevitable. Within January and March 2025, quite several Nollywood entertainers passed away.
The death of these remarkable figures in Nollywood made the movie industry and their fans mourn. Before their death, these figures brought a unique perspective, talent and expertise to the Nigerian movie industry.
In this piece, eelive.ng presents a list of notable Nollywood stars who passed away in the first quarter of 2025.
Asa Koko: Veteran Yoruba movie actor whose full name is not widely publicised, was a prominent figure in the Yoruba segment of Nollywood who passed away on January 30 after battling an undisclosed ailment for more than two years.
His career spanned over a decade, during which he featured in numerous Yoruba-language films, gaining recognition for his distinctive acting style and significant contributions to the industry. Beyond his public persona, Asa Koko led a relatively private life. However, he was known to have married ten wives. Before his passing, he had been vocal about the struggles of ageing actors and the need for industry veterans to receive support.
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Pat Ugwu: One of the Nollywood stars, Patience Ugwu died at the age of 35, six months after burying her father, Evaristus Ugwu.
Although the cause of her death was not immediately apparent, her colleagues took to their individual social media handles to announce her departure. Pat was buried at her father’s compound on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Nkechi Newje: The Popular Nollywood actress passed away on Friday, March 22nd 2025, after struggling with a yet-to-be-disclosed illness for some time. The renowned actress was known for her compelling portrayals of motherly roles, Nkechi featured in movies like Royal War, Festival of Sorrow, and Coming Back from Congo.
She was married to Azubuike Nweje, a director with the Anambra State Ministry of Health, and they had six children. Before the actress’s demise, her profile shows that she is religious and spends time with her family.
Columbus Irisoanga: Talented Veteran Nollywood actor passed away on February 6, 2025. Irosanga, who hails from Rivers State, was not just a veteran actor and television personality; he was also a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt. He starred in numerous movies, one of the most notable being Issakaba, which was released in 2003.
