On what would have been his 45th birthday, the late Nollywood actor Junior Pope Odonwodo was lovingly remembered by his wife, Jennifer, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to honour his memory.
In the emotional post shared on May 7, 2025, Jennifer reflected on their first romantic exchange back in July 2010, a moment etched in her memory. “You asked my birth date…. I asked for yours and you said the last day in the first week of May. And I said 7th??? You said, ‘Smart,’ with a clap,” she recalled, reminiscing about the early spark in their relationship.
Accompanying her tribute was a touching video montage, featuring intimate family moments with their three sons and emotional clips from their time together — all set to a soul-stirring soundtrack.
“It’s May 7th, 2025, and I’m not celebrating you with my different birthday surprises (I doubt I missed any), not with candles and cakes, but with tears and memories and a heart that still beats in rhythm with yours,” she wrote.
She concluded her post with a message that left many fans in tears:
“I had a lot in mind to type but at this point… words fail me. Happy 45th birthday, our daddy in heaven. We carry your love in everything we do. Keep watching over us, Debonair.”
Junior Pope tragically passed away in April 2024 after drowning during a film shoot on the River Niger. Just hours before the tragic incident, he had posted a video from the ill-fated boat ride, making the loss even more heartbreaking for fans who witnessed his final moments online.
His untimely death sent shockwaves across the Nigerian film industry and ignited important conversations around safety protocols on film sets. Since his passing, Jennifer has continued to honour his legacy, frequently sharing memories and tributes that keep his spirit alive in the hearts of his loved ones and fans alike.
As the world remembers Junior Pope on his posthumous birthday, his legacy as an actor, husband, and father continues to live on through the love and memories he left behind.
