“It’s May 7th 2025…” – Jennifer Awele Pens Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Husband, Junior Pope, on What Would Have Been His 45th Birthday

 

May 7, 2025, marked what would have been the 45th birthday of beloved Nollywood actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo. Sadly, instead of birthday cakes and surprise celebrations, the day was filled with quiet grief and heartfelt remembrance.

His widow, Jennifer Awele, took to Instagram to share a deeply emotional tribute to the man she loved and lost. In her post, she shared a touching throwback video that captured Junior Pope in his element—joyfully playing and laughing with their children. The clip, brimming with warmth and affection, offered fans a glimpse into the tender side of the late actor that many never got to see.

Jennifer’s words in the caption carried the weight of love and loss:

“It’s May 7th 2025 and I’m not celebrating you with my different birthday surprises... but with a heart that still beats in rhythm with yours.”

She went on to recount a sweet memory from the early days of their relationship, back in 2010. It was then that Junior Pope first told her his birthday fell on “the last day in the first week of May.” A seemingly playful detail at the time, but today, those words now echo with pain and nostalgia.

The tragic loss of Junior Pope on April 10, 2024, remains fresh in the hearts of his family, fans, and colleagues. He died in a devastating boat accident while returning from a movie shoot—an incident that sent shockwaves across the Nollywood industry and beyond. A true entertainer, he was known for his charisma, talent, and devotion to his family, leaving behind a legacy that many continue to honor.

Jennifer ended her birthday tribute with a tear-jerking message that resonates with anyone who has ever lost a loved one:

“Happy 45th Birthday our Daddy in Heaven. Keep watching over us, Debonair.”

As fans and fellow celebrities flooded the comment section with condolences and prayers, it was evident that Junior Pope’s memory continues to live on—not only in the hearts of his loved ones but in the soul of Nigerian cinema.

May his soul continue to rest in peace.

See her touching post below…