Ozor Luke Odonwodo, father of late Nollywood actor Junior Pope, has died a year after the tragic death of his son.

His daughter-in-law, Jennifer Awele, who was married to the late actor, broke the news in an emotional post shared via Instagram on Wednesday.

Jennifer revealed that she had visited her father-in-law in Enugu barely a month ago and had no idea it would be her final time seeing him alive.

“Barely one month ago, I was with you in Enugu,” she wrote.
“Some days later, Reme (my mother-in-law) called to ask how I and her boys are doing and further went to say that her husband has gone to meet my husband.”

She described how she initially screamed upon hearing the news before calming herself to console her grieving mother-in-law.

“Ozor Luke Odonwodo is one man that genuinely loved me,” she added.
“I’m so thankful I got to spend time with him even though short, unknowingly in his last days.”

Jennifer described the deceased as an octogenarian who lived a full life and witnessed the rewards of his labour through his children and grandchildren.

In her tribute, she expressed hope in the Christian resurrection promise, referencing Bible passages from John 5:28–29 and Acts 24:15.

“Adieu father and son… You are sorely missed but we hold onto the resurrection promises.”

Junior Pope, real name John Paul Odonwodo, tragically lost his life on April 10, 2024, when he drowned in the Anam River while returning from a movie shoot. He died alongside four crew members.

The actor, who was 43 at the time, married Jennifer in 2014. The couple had three sons together.