One Year Later, Junior Pope’s Children Still Ask ‘When Is Daddy Coming Home’
One year after the tragic death of Nollywood actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo, his wife, Jennifer Awele, has taken to social media to share an emotional tribute and pain she and their children have endured since his passing.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Awele described the past 12 months as “unimaginable,” filled with sorrow, longing, and unanswered questions from their children.
“It’s been one year of standing in the face of our unimaginable loss, and not a day has gone by without a thought of you,” she wrote, accompanied by a photo of herself and their children.
“Your love still surrounds us, your laughter echoes in our hearts, and your presence is felt in the quiet moments when we miss you most. You have no idea how tough it’s been, trying to stay strong for each other even as the world around us seems fallen apart. The grief remains heavy, the absence left a void that words can never fill, but through it all, we look up for strength from heaven as a guiding light,” she continued.
She recounted the unanswered questions from their children, Jason and Jaden, who still hope their father will return to fulfill his promise of enrolling them in a proper football academy and attending their first official match.
She also noted that the youngest, Jamon—fondly called “J Papa” by his late father, has continued to ask when his dad will bring home the big toy car he promised.
Awele wrote, “I still don’t have the right words to respond to Jason and Jaden wanting to know if Daddy will fulfill his promise of taking them to a proper football academy and be present at their first official match.
“They said; “Daddy told them he wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world”. Then the littlest one (J papa as fondly called by daddy) Jamon, keeps asking when daddy is bringing the big toy car he promised him. We appreciate everyone who sympathized with us and stood and still stand by us through our time of grief. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for your love and support towards us.”
Junior Pope died on April 10, 2024, along with several others, after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State, while they were returning from a film shoot produced by Adanma Luke.
The death sparked public outrage and questions of Nollywood’s safety standards, with many accusing the production team of failing to put adequate safety measures in place.
Awele appreciated the public and loved ones who have stood by her family during their darkest moments, noting that the support has meant the world.
“To our beloved, you did not only leave us, your family, but so many who loved you and loved your works… Though you’re no longer by our side, you live on in every memory, every smile, and every tear.”
One Year Later, Junior Pope’s Children Still Ask ‘When Is Daddy Coming Home’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
