Nigerian celebrities have used their Instagram accounts to commemorate the birthday of their late colleague and friend, junior Pope.
Actress Rachael Okonkwo shared her sadness on her Instagram story, expressing her inability to call him and wish him a happy birthday.
She sent her birthday wishes and prayed for God to accept his soul, assuring that he will always hold a special place in her heart.
“Happy birthday to you OYOM. I can’t even call u as usual to wish you happy birthday.
May God accept your soul and grant you eternal rest. You’ll forever be in our hearts”.
In a different message, she shared her wish to give him a customary phone call to wish him a happy birthday, but sadly, her wish cannot be fulfilled.
She stated that she hopes all the rumors about him are just a joke, but she acknowledges that she cannot challenge fate.
“Happy birthday to you regardless…. nwannem you will Forever be in our hearts. Oyom May God grant you eternal rest .
I wish I can still call u as usual to wish u happy birthday unfortunately it’s no longer possible. I just wish all these stories are prank however I can’t fight God Jee nke oma onyem”.
Baba Rex’s wife and Kcee expressed their sorrow in the comment section about the actor’s passing.
Kocha Rex commented, “It is well
Kcee commented, “Omg with crying emojis
Stanley Nwoko, a Nollywood producer, stated that this is the first time he is celebrating his birthday without his family, fans, and colleagues.
He expressed deep sadness that they are unable to be with him anymore, as death unexpectedly took him away.
However, he remains grateful to God. It deeply pains him that people are celebrating his birthday in his absence, but he goes on to praise him, describing him as a wonderful person who was always cheerful, full of life, and enjoyable to be around.
“First birthday without your family, Fans and colleagues, it really saddened my heart that we won’t see you no more. Death took you away from us like a thief but in all things we give thanks to God.
Posthumous Birthday swag Nation
Nollywood miss you JP, your fans miss you, your family miss you. How I wish God can give you a second chance.
It really breaks my heart to the lowest that we are celebrating your birthday today in your absence, you were a great man, always smiling, always i lively, fun to be with.
Rest in the bossom of the lord swag nation (who does that)
Shalom!”.
Few hours ago, Nosa Rex, also known as Baba Rex, acknowledged that today would have been his birthday and they would have been celebrating.
However, since he hasn’t been laid to rest yet, he is wishing himself a happy birthday.
Rita Edochie also celebrated his posthumous birthday by writing a long note to him, expressing how she can no longer physically celebrate his birthday with him.
She stated that her heart is once again broken and she is trying to convince herself that he is no longer here. She asked him some questions, expressing comfort in the belief that he is watching over them.
It is already known that the actor died three weeks ago after drowning in the Anam River while returning from a movie shoot. He, along with five others, died in the boat accident.
Last week, the late actor’s family announced his funeral arrangements, stating that he will be laid to rest on May 17th, 2024, in his hometown in Enugu state.
Many observant fans noticed that the word ‘husband’ was missing from the obituary poster, causing speculation as Junior Pope was married to Jennifer Awele and they have three sons.
In response, his family clarified that they did not authorize the burial poster and later corrected it to include his wife.
Last week, the executives of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Commissioners for Culture and Tourism and Information from Enugu State visited his family to offer their condolences.
