Jennifer Odonwodo, the widow of late Nollywood actor JohnPaul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, has recounted the painful moment she received news of her husband’s death, two years after the tragic boat accident that claimed his life.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram on Friday, Jennifer described the experience as the “most devastating call” she had ever received.
“This day two years ago, at about some minutes past 3pm, while getting dressed to go for a photoshoot, I received the most devastating call of my life,” she wrote. “Awele, the boat JP was on just capsized.”
She said the news initially felt unreal, adding that she struggled to believe it. “My hands immediately started shaking, but a part of me held onto the fact that it was a prank,” she stated.
Recounting her arrival at the scene, Jennifer said she was confronted with a distressing sight. “I was driven to the scene and saw a very massive crowd. A black Hilux drove past me with my husband lying lifeless in its trunk, wearing the same red shorts he left the house in. I screamed ‘Jesus’, and I’m sure heaven heard the echo,” she said.
The mother of three also revealed that the shock took a severe toll on her health, leading to her hospitalisation. According to her, her blood pressure rose dangerously high.
“For some reason, the doctor checked my BP and it was over 210. I was immediately admitted,” she added.
Jennifer further disclosed that she remained in denial for a while, clinging to hope that her husband would return.
“How can someone who told me to warm the jollof rice he had the night before, to eat that same night, not be here?” she questioned.
She said it was not until his burial that the reality of his death fully set in. “I still had hope of JP’s resurrection until the morning pallbearers brought in his casket and the loud cannon sounds ushered him in,” she said.
Despite the pain, Jennifer expressed gratitude for the strength to carry on, noting that she and her family have relied on faith. “God is taking care of your children and I, and your mother as well. It hasn’t been easy, but God has been faithful,” she wrote.
She concluded her tribute with a prayer for her late husband.
“Continue to rest peacefully in God’s bosom, Swag King. We miss you so much,” she said.
Junior Pope died on April 10, 2024, alongside colleagues after a boat capsized while they were returning from a film location.
