Muonagor’s death exposes Nollywood actors’ health challenge

Nollywood actor Amechi Muonagor’s death on Sunday, 24 March 2024, exposes a troubling neglect of health issues by Nollywood actors.

The Nollywood legend died in similar circumstances with Mr. Ibu, shortly after posting a desperate public plea for donations.

Muonagor, Nollywood actor, producer and comedian, died three weeks after another titan, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, also passed.. 

Both actors shared similarities on and off screen. They were aged 62 at the time of passing. They became famous for their comedic roles in movies. And they both publicly appealed for help to seek overseas cure for their illnesses.

The actor’s brother, Tony OneWeek (real name Tony Muonagor) confirmed the passage of the movie titan to newsmen.

Muonagor died of kidney failure, after failing to make much from his appeal for public donations to continue treatment overseas. 

Enugu Metro learnt that most actors are not able to pay their bills. This is because the fees they earn per movie appearance are barely able to cover their living expenses.

Life and times of Muonagor

Muonagor was born 20 August 1962 at Obosi in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.

After primary school at his home town and secondary school at Oraifite, he proceeded to the university of Nigeria Nsukka where he earned a bachelor degree in Economics in 1987.

He began his career with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in 1989 after completing his national service. He however left almost immediately to join Nollywood as an actor.

Late Amechi Muonagor was a very famous actor that delighted audiences with his humour both onscreen and off. He was nominated for Best Actor in the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

His movie scores include Taboo 1 (1989), Aki and Pawpaw, Karishika (1998), Aki na Ukwa (2002), and Igodo (1999).

Illness and death

The humour merchant dropped out of the social circuit in 2016 over what was speculated as diabetes. Reports also said he subsequently developed other illnesses that eventually led to his passage through a combination of kidney disease, diabetes and stroke. 

The stroke, which occurred last year, 2023, reportedly paralysed his left leg.

He is survived by a wife, Hope Chikodi, and four children.