Murphy Afolabi, a Yaruba popular actor, and filmmaker died barely 24 hours after the death of a popular Nollywood actor. Reportedly, the actor died from injuries he sustained after falling in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.
Seun Olaiya, a filmmaker and the president of the Yoruba movies guild, shared the news on a WhatsApp group populated by filmmakers.
“I swear to God just before the news, I was still hailing him. This is a rude shock to me,” Olaiya wrote.
Tunde Ola-Yusuf, the veteran film director and producer, confirmed the death through his Facebook page on Sunday afternoon.
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Murphy Afolabi family:
Murphy Afolabi is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. His children’s names are Afolabi Olamilekan, Afolabi Fathia Moyosore, and Okikiola Afolabi.
Murphy Afolabi was born on May 5, 1974, in Osun State. He hails from Oroki Asala in Osogbo. In 2001, he finished a Diploma in Theatre Arts and Fim Production from Osun State Polytechnic in Iree.
Afolabi started acting at a young age. His first experience in professional acting started under the guidance of veteran actor Fasasi Olabankewin in 1998. Afolabi made his debut with a movie titled Ifa Olokun under Dagunro’s guidance. He gained popularity from his role in the movie ‘Omo Rapala’. Afolabi was a well-loved producer and has several films to his credit including Ifa Olokun, Omowunmi, Jimi Bendel, Wasila Coded, Olokiki Oru, and Idera.
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He celebrated his birthday just over a week ago on Friday, May 5. He was 49 years old.
Afolabi was a well-known personality in the Nigerian film industry. Apart from actor, he was also a director and producer. He had won several awards for his work.
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Tributes and condolences are outpouring on social media for Afolabi as fans and colleagues are expressing their shock and sadness at the loss of such a talented actor.
