As the curtain draws close on 2024, some of the events that shaped the year remains indelible in the memory of Nigerians.
Death which is an inevitable end hit many families in various forms include the rich and famous.
Here are some of the high profile deaths that shook Nigeria to its very root and made headlines in the media space.
- Herbert Wigwe: On February 9, 2024, the news of Herbert Wigwe’s untimely death hit Nigeria like cyclone. Wigwe who was the CEO of Access bank and founder of Wigwe University lost his life while traveling in a helicopter that crashed in California. His wife and 29 year old son were also involved in the air tragedy. The remains of Wigwe and his family were repatriated to Nigeria, where they were buried in his hometown in Isiokpo, Rivers State, on March 9, following a week-long funeral activities in Lagosthat had several prominent personalities in attendance, including Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, who pledged to rename the road leading to Dangote Refinery in honor of Wigwe, amidst other tributes. Herbert Wigwe was aged 57 at the time of his death.
- Mr Ibu: Nollywood star actor and comedian, John Okafor also known as Mr Ibu was the subject of discourse on social media platforms owing to his ill health. Controversies surrounded his family with pockets of disagreement between his wife, adopted daughter and son. Funds were raised by concerned Nigerians for his treatment despite allegations of misappropriation of his resources by family members. He was admitted at Evercare hospital Lekki for months where he underwent leg amputation in November, 2023 to increase his chances of recovery. He breathed his last on 2nd March, 2024 at the age of 62. Sources disclosed that his demise was as a result of complications from diabetes and cardiac arrest.
- Ogbonnaya Onu: Former governor of Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu died on April 11, 2024 to the dismay of Nigerians who considered him the voice of truth. Onu became more popular when he shouted: “Where is the Justice!” during the All Progresses Congress (APC) National Convention at the Eagles Square Abuja in 2022. An astute politician and erudite intellectual, Onu was appointed Minister of Science and Technology by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Aged 72, Onu, who was the first civilian governor of Abia State died at a hospital in Abuja from undisclosed ailment.
- Onyeka Onwenu: Singer, songwriter, actor and politician, Onyeka Onwenu died in active service. She slumped after a performance at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Company at Banana Island Lagos. She was rushed to Reddington Hospital where she was confirmed dead on July 30th, 2024. Nigerians indeed lost a rare musical genius as the news of Onwenu’s death filtered into the air. Aged 72, she was buried at Ikoyi Cemetery in August, 2024.
- Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu: Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced on 25 July 2024. The news of his death sent shock waves across Nigeria. An elder statesman, business, politicians, sports entrepreneur, Iwuanyanwu contributed immensely to the development of his home state, Imo and Nigeria. In his condolence message, President Tinubu affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his remarkable legacy, and prayed for the repose of his soul. Iwuanyanwu, aged 81 was buried on November 1 at his country home at Atta Ikeduru, Imo State.
- Ifeanyi Ubah: The Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah died after a brief illness while holidaying in London. A business man, sports entrepreneur and astute politician, the two term senator was about contesting for Anambra State governorship election before his untimely death. A man of the people whose philanthropic activities was well known, Ubah’s death left many of his admirers and associates in disarray. At 52, Ubah was ahead of his time having founded several thriving businesses including Capital Oil, Authority Newspaper, Ifeanyi Ubah football club etc before his life was cut short by cardiac arrest on July 27, 2024.
- Amaechi Muonagor: An accomplished actor and comedian, Amaechi Munagor brought laughter and joy to many Nigerian during his lifetime. The news of his death came as a rude shock to Nigerians after a protracted illness that left him bedridden for several months. He died on 24th March, 2024 after battling with diabetes and renal failure. Aged 62, his demise set social media on fire as tributes poured in for the beloved thespian. He was buried at his hometown Obosi, Anambra State on 21 June, 2024 amidst tears from friends and relatives.
- Taoreed Lagbaja: Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja’s passing was shrouded in mystery for months. Speculations were rife about his death though the Nigerian Army vehemently denied the news of his demise. Finally on November 6, 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced the death of the Osun State born General via a press statement by Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga. Lagbaja died on 5 November, 2024 in Lagos after a brief illness at the age of 56. He was accorded a state burial in Abuja by the Federal government with a posthumous CFR award.
