Jennifer Awele, widow of the late Nollywood actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, has honoured what would have been his 45th birthday with a deeply moving tribute shared via Instagram.
In the emotional post published on Tuesday, 7 May, Awele reminisced about a cherished conversation they had in July 2010, during which Junior Pope playfully revealed his birth date as “The last day in the first week of May.” When she guessed “the 7th?” he clapped in approval and replied, “Smart.”
To mark the posthumous occasion, Awele posted a touching video montage featuring moments of the actor with their three sons, Jason, Jaden, and Jamon, accompanied by an emotional 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.
The tribute ended with a heartfelt message:
“Happy 45th Birthday, our Daddy in Heaven. We carry your love in everything we do. Keep watching over us, Debonair.”
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Junior Pope tragically passed away on 10 April 2024 following a boat mishap on the Anam River during a film shoot. His death shocked the Nollywood industry and left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of one of its beloved stars.
Since his passing, Awele has frequently taken to social media to share memories of her late husband, keeping his legacy alive while navigating life as a single parent to their young children.
“Your absence is loud, but your presence still echoes through everything,” she wrote in an earlier post.
Junior Pope, known for his dynamic roles in Nollywood action and family dramas, was celebrated for his charisma and on-screen versatility. His sudden death has continued to evoke tributes from fans, actors, and filmmakers who remember him not just for his talent but for his warmth and dedication to his craft.
