The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the loss of two of its members, Johnson Onoriode Ododife and Chigo Gozman, who died in a car accident on Sunday, May 11.
According to an update shared by filmmaker Stanley Ontop, the tragic incident occurred while the duo was returning from Port Harcourt after attending a colleague’s wedding.
The accident claimed both lives, leaving the film community in shock and grief.
Ododife served as the Delta State chairman of the Cinematographers Society of Nigeria, while Gozman was a content creator and a well-regarded cinematographer.
In a heartfelt tribute, Stanley Ontop shared his sorrow on social media, stating:
“Black Sunday in Nollywood Delta Asaba as we lost 2 crew members in an auto crash (accident) in PH while returning from one of their members wedding yesterday… We lost Delta state chairman of Cinematographers Society of Nigeria (CSN) @onos14a We also lost a very good and talented cinematographer in Asaba mr @goz_man6 I am heartbroken chai gozie my friend and brother May their souls rest in peace This too shall pass. Ontop cares Shalom!!!”
Nollywood actor Yul Edochie also expressed his condolences, highlighting the increasing rate of sudden deaths in the industry.
He wrote:
“Too many untimely deaths in Nollywood. Really Sad. R.I.P to our fallen brothers. May God grant your families the strength to bear this painful loss.”
The tragic news comes just after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Lagos, casting a somber mood over what had been a celebratory weekend for the Nigerian entertainment industry.
