Popular Nollywood Actor Dies After Battling Undisclosed Ailment [Photo]

Veteran Yoruba actor Asa Koko has passed away, as confirmed by his junior colleague, Kunle Afod, who shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram.

Afod posted a video from his last visit to Asa Koko’s home, where the ailing actor recounted his prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness that kept him hospitalized for over two years.

Gists9ja reports that in the footage, Asa Koko mentioned that the governor of his state had visited him during his time in the hospital.

Despite his health struggles, the veteran actor, who was known to have ten wives, expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing it to divine intervention. He also showed Afod his swollen leg, a visible sign of his health ordeal.

In the caption of his Instagram post, Afod announced Asa Koko’s passing, offering prayers for his soul to rest in peace. The news has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of another legendary figure in the Yoruba film industry.

Charles Inojie Defends Nollywood Against Criticism

In a separate development, veteran Nollywood actor Charles Inojie has spoken out in defense of the Nigerian film industry, urging the public to appreciate its role in shedding light on societal vices rather than blaming it for the country’s moral decay.

During an interview with Punch, Inojie addressed criticisms that Nollywood films promote themes of ritual killings, spiritual fortification, internet fraud, and organ harvesting. He argued that these stories mirror real-life issues in society and should be commended for their expository nature rather than condemned.

“Can we, in good faith, say that all Nollywood movies are based on ritual themes? The fact that these stories exist shows that such practices occur in our society,” Inojie stated.

He highlighted real-life cases of ritual killings for political power, wealth, and spiritual fortification, pointing out that similar acts such as religious leaders engaging in dark practices and influential figures using bizarre methods for personal gain are well-documented.

“How come when these issues are portrayed in movies, they automatically receive criticism?” he questioned.

Inojie also addressed the role of parents in shaping moral values, emphasizing that the younger generation must be taught the importance of hard work and integrity.

“We have seen parents celebrating their unemployed children who return home with expensive cars without questioning their sources of wealth. Nollywood did not create that reality. The real problem is the erosion of family values,” he noted.

Concluding his remarks, Inojie stressed that quick fixes often lead to disastrous consequences and called for a renewed focus on teaching dignity in labor rather than scapegoating the film industry for societal ills.