“Adieu, Father and Son”: Junior Pope’s Dad D!es a Year After His Son

The family of late Nigerian actor Junior Pope is grieving once again following the death of his father, Ozor Luke Odonwodo, who passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025—exactly one year after his son’s tragic death in a boat accident.

The sad news was confirmed by Junior Pope’s widow, Odonwodo Jennifer, in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram.

She posted a heartfelt video montage featuring touching family moments between the late actor and his father, reflecting on the deep bond they shared.

Jennifer expressed sorrow and shock, revealing that she had visited her father-in-law in Enugu just a month ago, never knowing it would be the last time she’d see him alive.

“Barely one month ago, I was with you in Enugu… then I got the call. Your wife told me you had gone to join your son,” she wrote, adding that she broke down in tears but quickly pulled herself together to comfort her grieving mother-in-law.

She remembered Ozor Luke Odonwodo as a kind and loving man who embraced her like his own daughter. “He genuinely loved me,” she said, “and I’m grateful for the time we shared, even though it was short.”

Jennifer also praised the elder Odonwodo for being a selfless family man who lived a long life filled with love and sacrifice. “He passed an octogenarian, paid his dues, sacrificed for us all, and reaped the fruits of his labour.”

She ended her tribute with a message of hope and faith, writing: “Adieu, father and son… we hold onto the resurrection promise.”

The passing of Junior Pope, whose real name was John Paul Odonwodo, shocked Nollywood fans in April 2024 when he and three others lost their lives in a tragic boat accident during a movie shoot. He was just 39 years old and left behind his wife and three young sons.

Junior Pope was laid to rest in his hometown of Ukehe in Enugu State on May 17, 2024.

Now, with the death of his father just a year later, the family faces another painful goodbye—but they find comfort in the love, memories, and spiritual promises that remain.