By Abubakar Yunusa
Junior Pope Odonwodo, the late Nollywood actor, has been buried in Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti LGA, in Enugu state.
Pope passed away in April after a boat accident on the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state.
Last month, Pope’s family disclosed that the actor’s final rites will be held on May 17.
Pope’s remains arrived in his hometown on Friday morning after which a funeral service was held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, Ukehe.
Celebrities who attended the burial ceremony include Zubby Michael, Ruby Ojiakor, Linc Edochie, Queen Wokoma, Chinwe Owoh, and Rita Edochie.
Family, friends and colleagues of the late actor broke down in tears as his body was lowered to the ground in his compound.
The venue was surrounded by security operatives, including the police and local vigilante groups.
On April 19, the Enugu state government promised the actor’s family that he would be given a “befitting burial”.
Last week, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) also banned unauthorised pictures and video recordings at the Pope’s burial.
Pope married Jennifer Awele and they have three children together.
He began his career in 2006 but gained fame after appearing in the 2007 film ‘Secret Adventures’.
He also featured in several other movies including ‘Throne of Tears’, ‘Always Mine’, ‘Mad Sex’, ‘Blood Afair’, ‘Gbege’, and No Way Through’.
In 2010, Pope won the ‘Most Promising Actor’ category at the Nigeria Entertainment Factory Awards.