MEMORABLE DEATHS OF 2021

 Top 5 Deaths That Trended In 2021

Nobody wants to die, but death is inevitable. In this post, we look back and remember, with misty eyes, the deaths that made major trends in Nigeria last year.

5. Femi Osibona (1966 – 2021)

Real estate developer, Femi Osibona, was found dead on Thursday November 4th , after the collapse of his 21- storey building in Ikoyi, Lagos, that Monday. A native of Ikenne, Ogun State, he started his schooling in Nigeria before travelling to the UK to study Business and Finance at Croydon University.

The late managing director of Fourscore Homes, was first a seller of shoes and suits before he got into the real estate business in 1997. He initially started off buying and developing properties in the UK, before he moved to South Africa, then Ghana, before he returned to settle in Nigeria.

A lot of reactions trailed his death, but Femi was a man who lived an impactful life, and would surely be missed by those close to him, despite the squabble that arose over his estate after his death.

4. DMX (1970 – 2021)

American rapper and actor, Earl Simmons, popularly known as DMX, died on April 9^th, a week after suffering a heart attack. He had a successful career in both singing and acting, with his debut album in 1998, selling over 250,000 copies in its first week of release. He also had success in acting, especially in movies he featured with Chinese actor, Jet Li, Romeo Must Die, and Cradle to The Grave.

DMX was one with a colourful but controversial career, courting death all his life, before eventually succumbing to the cocaine-induced heart attack that took his life. He was arrested 30 times, filed for bankruptcy three times, and was convicted for federal tax fraud as well.

He would be missed by fans and lovers of his music and movies.

3. Ada Jesus (1998 – 2021)

Mercy Mmesoma Obi Nnadi, popularly known as Ada Jesus, was a Nigerian actress and comedienne. The Imo State University graduate, who hails from Orlu in the same state was popular for her comedy skits in her native language, Igbo.

Her death was believed to be controversial as she was diagnosed with kidney problems at that tender age and was reported to have also suffered a stroke. The cause of her illness was believed to have been spiritual, as she had a falling out with acclaimed prophet, Odumeje, whom she accused of staging fake miracles with Rita Edochie. She was allegedly cursed by him, few months before her illness set in.

She was married with a child.

2. Sound Sultan (1976 – 2021)

Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, was a Nigerian musician, actor, comedian and much more. One of the pioneers of hip-hop music in Nigeria, the Motherland crooner was one of the few Nigerians who was widely celebrated by everyone, earning respect for the simple and sensible nature of his songs.

Since his breakthrough in 2000 with his first song, Mathematics, the rapper and singer used his songs as a platform to address social issues with governance in the country, in an endearing manner. Songs like Kokose, Natural Something, and Jankoliko, where he was featured by Chidinma, also addressed personal social issues in a humorous manner.

The Jos-born singer died in the United States of throat cancer, survived by his wife and three kids. We all miss him.

1. T. B. Joshua (1963 – 2021)

Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as TB Joshua, was a pastor, prophet, philanthropist, and televangelist. The founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in Ikotun, Lagos, he was one of the more popular Nigerian prophets famed for his teachings of love, prophecies that were occasionally controversial, miracle and healing services, and his steady acts of charity towards the less privileged in the society.

Undoubtedly the most influential death on this list, TB Joshua was heralded as one who had spiritual as well as economic impact on Lagos, and Nigeria, at large. His church was recorded to have more weekly visitors than Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London combined. SCOAN was once quoted to be responsible for over 25% of Nigeria’s tourism revenue. It wasn’t uncommon to see visitors from many states within the country, and from every continent in the world crowd the church on Sundays for his healing services.

SCOAN

He was a respected figure in African politics, especially in southern Africa, with figures such as Joyce Banda (Malawi), Julius Malema (South Africa), and John Magufuli (Tanzania), seeking to be associated with him.

The cause of his death remains undisclosed, although he was reported to have suffered a stroke two months before he died, and was said to have predicted his death in a number of cryptic messages.

He would be greatly missed, especially by his family, church members, and beneficiaries of his acts of charity.

There you have it. We celebrate the lives of these people and pray that their loved ones have already found solace. Remember to follow us on our social media platforms and if you have any comment, do well to share with us.

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