It is a tough time for the family, friends and loved ones of late actor Junior Pope Odonwodo as the actor is laid to rest today, May 17th, 2023.
It is no longer news that Junior Pope and five others lost their lives after drowning at Anam River on April 10th, 2024. Following his death, his family released his funeral arrangements, revealing that the actor would be laid to rest on the 17th of May.
In an update to it, the actor’s burial is currently ongoing in his hometown of Ukehe, in Enugu State. Photos and videos from the funeral are fast making rounds on the internet, and his wife, who was holding their last child, could be seen in tears.
Recall that his funeral poster had caused controversy as many eagle-eyed fans noticed that on the obituary poster, ‘husband’, was noticeably absent, which left tongues wagging as before his demise, Junior Pope was married to Jennifer Awele, and they have 3 sons.
Speaking out, his family made it known that the burial poster wasn’t authorised by them and later corrected it to include his wife.
Despite his demise, his friends and colleagues had marked his first posthumous birthday on May 7th.
Some of his colleagues, like Rita Edochie, Nosa Rex, Rachael Okonkwo and Stanley Nwoko, marked his posthumous birthday. Taking the lead, Rita, his godmother, noted how she could no longer celebrate his birthday with him physically. She stated that her heart once more felt shattered as she threw some questions at him, revealing that she takes solace in knowing that he is watching over them.
Nosa Rex, otherwise known as Baba Rex, noted how they would have been celebrating his birthday. However, since he hadn’t been laid to rest, he wished him a happy birthday.
Rachael Okonkwo expressed heartbreak over how she can no longer call him to wish him a happy birthday. She prayed for God to accept his soul and promised he would forever remain in her heart.
Stanley Nwoko noted how this was his first birthday without his family, fans and colleagues. He expressed how saddened his heart is that they can’t see him anymore as he noted how death took him away like a thief; however, he gives thanks to God.