Pope Obumneme Odonwodo (born on May 7, 1984) is a famous Nigerian actor, movie producer, and television personality popularly known as Junior Pope.

Junior Pope was born and raised in Bamenda but originally hails from the Ukehe, Enugu State Southeastern Part of Nigeria, the actor however passed away on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.

Pope came to the limelight in 2007 for the lead role in the movie “Secret Adventures” directed by Tchidi Chikere, since then he has starred in more than 100 Nollywood movies which include: Bitter Generation, The Cat, The Generals, Wrong Initiation, Nkwocha, Secret Adventures, Wrong Initiation and so on.

Junior Pope Death

The Nigerian film industry is in deep sorrow after the tragic demise of Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, during a film shoot. Junior Pope, along with three other actors, lost their lives when their boat overturned in Anam River, Anambra State, while they were returning from a filming location.

Despite rescue efforts, none of them survived, leading to a state of shock within the industry. Just hours prior to the accident, Junior Pope had shared a video and these were his words in the video:

“Please, reduce the speed. I am the only child of my parents. I have three children that I need to raise.”

Unfortunately, fate had a different plan, and the accident occurred during their return journey. Junior Pope’s unexpected passing has left behind his wife and three children, creating a profound sense of loss and grief.

 Facts About Junior Pope

• Full Name: Pope Obumneme Odonwodo
• Stage Name: Junior pope
• Born: May 7, 1984
• Age: 39 years old(2024)
• Died: April 10, 2024
• Place Of Birth: Bamenda, Cameroon
• State Of Origin: Enugu State
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Luke Odonwodo
• Wife: Jennifer Awele
• Children: 3 children
• Occupation: Actor
• Networth: N/A

 Early Life & Education

Junior Pope was born and raised in Bamenda, Cameroon but originally hails from the Ukehe, of Enugu State. where he had both his primary and secondary education but originally hails from Ukehe, Nuskka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Pope completed his Elementary and Secondary school at Bamenda, Cameroon while he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Accounting at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria.

 Career

Pope began his Nollywood career in 2006 while attending movie auditions and taking up minor roles in movies.

He came into the limelight in the Nollywood movie industry in 2007 for the lead role in the movie “Secret Adventures” directed by Tchidi Chikere.

Pope has starred in more than 100 movies which include: Bitter Generation, The Cat, The Generals, Wrong Initiation, Nkwocha, Secret Adventures, Wrong Initiation, and so on.

 Filmography

• Bitter Generation
• The Cat
• The Generals
• Wrong Initiation
• Nkwocha
• Secret Adventures

Awards

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• Most promising actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards
• Best Actor of the Year at the Africa Movie Academy Awards
• Nollywood Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Entertainment Factory Awards