John Amaefule: Veteran Nollywood Actor Reportedly Passes Away After Long Battle With Stroke
- The Nigerian film industry has been plunged into a state of mourning following the demise of John Amaefule
- News of the veteran actor's death and funeral arrangements emerged on social media on January 24, 2026
- Many fans of the late John Amaefule took to social media to mourn his death with emotional tributes
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Veteran Nigerian actor John Onyechiyanyere Amaefule, popularly known as Pinijay, has reportedly passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with a stroke.
Source: Facebook
The news of the late actor's demise was announced by his family in an obituary post on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The exact date of the late John Amaefule's death is still unknown. However, reports indicate that he passed away a few weeks ago.
The veteran actor passed away while on admission for treatment at the FMC Owerri hospital.
According to his funeral arrangements, a funeral mass will be held for the late actor at the Holy Ghost Parish, Omega, Amaudi Obizi.
An interment would follow the funeral mass at the compound of John Amaefule's residence in Amaudi Obizi, Ezinihitte LGA Mbaise.
The Facebook post announcing John Amaefule's funeral arrangements is below:
John Amaefule's long battle with stroke
In February 2025, filmmaker Stanley Ontop shared on his official Instagram page that John Amaefule had been battling a stroke and needed financial support in clearing his medical bills after being hospitalised for medical treatment.
He noted that the veteran actor had been rushed to a hospital in Owerri, Imo State, after suffering a stroke in the left side of his brain at home.
He wrote:
"Nollywood veteran Actor John Amaefule was rushed to the hospital this morning in Owerri after encountering a Stroke. He’s suffering from a stroke, the family is asking Nigerians to pls help🙏🙏 he’s currently in FCM Owerri, and they need money to save this man."
Stanley stated that John Amaefule's stroke had likely caused a weakness on the right side of his body and that he needed to do a Lipid panel test, a Haemoglobin Alc test, an Electrolyte, a urea test, and a Creatinine test at the medical facility.
He also listed the medicines the late actor needed to purchase for his recovery from the stroke that had left him relying on a wheelchair for movement.
The Instagram post announcing John Amaefule's battle with stroke is below:
Who was the late John Amaefule?
The late John Amaefule, born in 1946, was a veteran actor in the Nigerian movie industry, renowned for starring in movies with top stars like Walter Anga, Chiwetalu Agu, Eve Esin, Oge Okoye, Moyo Lawal, and many others.
Most of the notable movies in which he was featured included Motherhood's Price, Back From Congo, Forbidden Choice, and others.
Source: Twitter
John Amaefule was a parishioner and a charismatic member at St Matthew Catholic Church (MCC) at Uratta road in Owerri.
Fans mourn John Amaefule after his death
YEN.com.gh has gathered some comments from social media users below:
Norita Chidinma Duru Ife-Okafor commented:
"Is he gone? Chai! Daddy Amaefule. May the Lord accept him among the saints!"
Akalawu Amarachi said:
"Chai. May his soul rest in peace. Amen."
Chinaza Mary wrote:
"Oh my goodness. I know him at St Mathew and as a Nollywood actor. Rest well Sir."
Actress Halima Abubakar begs for financial support
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Halima Abubakar begged for financial support amid her long battle with a brain tumour that had sidelined her from acting for many years.
In a video, the renowned Nollywood actress detailed the challenges she faced dealing with her health issues.
Halima Abubakar also recounted how her battle with the brain tumour had affected her finances.
Source: YEN.com.gh
