On the second anniversary of Nollywood actor Junior Pope’s death, his wife, Jennifer Awele Odonwodo, has shared a deeply emotional account of the moment she learned of his passing.
In a long Instagram post, Jennifer recounted how her world shattered on April 10, 2024, when she received a call informing her that the boat her husband was on had capsized. She explained that her hands began to shake immediately, but she initially held on to the hope that it was not real and might have been a prank.
She said she rushed to the scene, where she was met with a large crowd and the heartbreaking sight of a black Hilux carrying her husband’s lifeless body.
“I screamed JESUSSSSS, which I’m sure heaven heard the echo,” she wrote.
Jennifer revealed that the shock took a serious toll on her health, as her blood pressure rose above 210 that night, leading to her being admitted to the hospital. She added that she struggled to accept the reality of his death, especially recalling how he had asked her the night before to keep his jollof rice warm.
“I tried so hard to cry, but my tear glands failed me,” she said, noting that she remained in denial for a long time and even held onto hope until the moment pallbearers brought in his casket with loud cannon sounds.
She admitted that the past two years have been extremely painful, though she remains grateful to God for strength and sustenance.
The mother of two said she is doing her best to hold things together for their children while believing her husband is also watching over them from heaven.
“Johnpaul Obumneme Odonwodo, God is taking care of your children and I… We miss you so much. Continue to rest peacefully in God’s bosom, Swag King,” she wrote in her tribute.
Junior Pope, fondly remembered for his energy and talent in Nollywood, continues to live on in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and fans.