Another Nollywood Actor, Osmond Gbadebo, Dies

By Akinwale Kasali

Osmond Gbadebo, a Nollywood Actor of Yoruba genre  is dead. He died  Monday night, May 30, 2022.

The circumstances of his death was still sketchy as the time of filing  this report.

The actor cum Movie Producer, Production Manager, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer, Osmond Communications, was in his 30s before his sudden death.

Yoruba actress, Fausat Abeni, popularly known as Madam Saje, was among the first mourners late Monday.

The veteran actress shared an image of a burning candle on her Instagram page with the caption, “Goodnight Osmond,” accompanied by crying emojis.

Nollywood stars such as Yomi Fabiyi, Adeniyi Johnson, and others took to their Instagram pages to mourn the late actor.

Fabiyi wrote, “So so sad and a deep painful loss, Osmond Gbadebo. You are a fighter and sad to say you have gone to rest. Ever jovial, ever supportive and ever friendly. Rest in peace and power.”

Johnson wrote on his Instagram page, “This hits differently that I can’t even post your picture. Every soul around us knows I love you. How I wish…”

Ibironke Ojo-Anthony, popularly known as Ronke Oshodi Oke wrote, “It’s very hard for me to say goodnight, Gbadebo Osunmo, but God knows the best. RIP my darling friend.”

The month of May has been a sorrowful month for the Make-Believe Industry in Nigeria popularly known as Nollywood. The industry has lost a number of its good artist.

First, it was Chinedu Bernard, an upcoming actress that died in Enugu State. While the entertainment industry mourned Chinedu, it was dealt another blow as up-and-coming actress Francisca Choji’s death was announced.

Francisca’s body was found at Rayfield Resort hotel in Jos, Plateau State on May 1. Gabriel Ubah, the spokesperson of the Plateau state police who confirmed Choji’s demise said the fast-rising actress was found floating in the water at Rayfield Resort.

In the same week, on May 4, actor David Osagie, better known as Sir David, died after filming on set the previous day.

His death was announced by his colleague Ngozi Ezeh who noted that the actor was not sick.

Sir David was best known for his role as king. Some of his movies include My Sorrow My Pain, Agunna and Lost Battle.

Just a week after, Nollywood suffered yet another loss on Thursday, May 12 as veteran actor, Gbenga Richards was confirmed dead after battling an unknown ailment.

The once vibrant actor, who was a force to reckon with in the 1990s and early 2000s, according to reports, suffered from a series of ailments and raising money for his treatment became difficult because he had fallen on hard times.

Richards’ first appearance as an actor was to represent Nigeria with Hubert Ogunde at the Second World Black and African Festival of African Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.

He also featured in blockbuster movies like Sango, Mirror in the Sun, Betrayal by Love, Fighting Machine and a host of others.