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The untold story of comedian CD John’s death – His unfulfilled dreams

DEATH struck again in the Nigerian entertainment industry, and took along an unripe soul.  Fast rising comedian, Chijioke De John popular with the name CD John ended the journey of his life abruptly in a fatal auto crash.  The rising star which was dimmed prematurely died of serious injuries he sustained in an auto crash in the early morning of Thursday, March 24, 2011.

Account has it that the self-styled laughter merchant was returning from Questionmark musical artist’s Harrysong’s album listening party at Tribeca, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was the compere.  He was said to have left the venue in a convoy of three cars heading to his house in Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos.  The convoy, according to report had Gulder Ultimate Search Season 7 winner, Kunle Oluwaremi’s car.  A stationary black Toyota Corolla said to be one of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s campaign vehicles had obstructed the road leading the convoy to the Mainland with the occupants busy pasting campaign posters along the road.  The driver of the car that led CD John’s convoy had spotted the Toyota Corolla and managed to swerve and hit the rear side, CD John’s car a black Golf 3 driven by himself which was on top speed ran into the second car in the convoy, an Explorer jeep.  And among the four occupants in his Golf car, only the comedian died after he had been treated for severe head injury at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.  Others which included CD John’s female friend, Ebere sustained minor injuries. 

The late comedian’s body has been deposited at the morgue at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, after it was retrieved that same morning from St. Nicholas Hospital.

The move, according to findings is on the order of Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who requested that an autopsy be carried out on the late comedian and until that is concluded plans for his burial are still being kept under wraps.

Sadly the late CD John was preparing for his 23rd birthday on Sunday, March 27, 2011 and talks have already gone round on how his colleagues would celebrate with him.  Already he had started the pre-birthday ceremony a day before his death by hosting some of his colleagues to a champagne party at Koko Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Born De John Chijioke from Abia State, the rising talent was just enjoying on upswing in his career before the shocking death.  He was a singer who didn’t make any impact before venturing into stand-up comedy.  His stagecraft endeared him to many, he was a regular player at the weekly comedy show, Stand Up Nigeria.  He will mostly be remembered for his funny Christian choruses.

 

HIS UNFULFILLED DREAMS

For the late comedian, Chijioke De John, life had just started with an upgrade in status and lifestyle in the last months, thanking his star for taking the path of comedy.  The dimmed star had so many unfulfilled dreams, one of which was to perform in London later in the year with female comedienne, Princess.  He was also said to have told an organiser of an event billed for Saturday, March 26, 2011, of which he was invited that he was not sure h would be available.

Described by many as a generous individual, CD John had imparted lives in his neighbourhood in Isolo, Lagos.  The late comedian had also concluded plans to empower his mother, Mrs. Chijioke with a provision shop around Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos.

 

MOOD AT HIS HOUSE

The late Chijioke De John lived at Plot 193A Gold Crescent, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos with his mother and younger sister.  The house, a fenced bungalow was rented by the late comedian in January 2011.  The family just relocated to the area in January 2011 from their old residence in the same Isolo.  The apartment furnished to taste boasts of every good thing of life.  Since the death of the patriarch of the house, CD John had taken up the role of the family’s breadwinner.

A condolence register had been opened for the deceased and sympathisers are streaming in now and then.  Mrs. Chijioke, sandwiched by sympathisers inside the living room couldn’t utter a word when we visited the place on Friday, March 25, 2011.  She was annoyed that rumour had gone to town that her late son was a drunkard and that the accident came about because he was in a state of stupor.

 cd john1

Comedians examine late CD John’s impact on the entertainment scene

 

AJIBADE OYEMADE

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He was a wonderful young man, very creative and humble.  He was a super star in the industry.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

We are going to miss his friendliness and humility.

 

AYO MAKUN

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He came in with his own style and something we appreciated.  This describes him as another successful comedian and he is our own Dagrin now.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

His wonderful ability to blend music with comedy because this is unique amongst us.

 

MC DANNI B

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He did a lot in the industry.  He shook us all and he made us to know that you can also use songs in comedy.  He had a unique style.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

He was nice, social and humble.  We are going to miss his dedication.

 

ICE WATER

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He was just like Dagrin in the industry.  Humble, dedicated and very creative.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

We are going to miss his unique style of comedy.

 

MANDY

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He was God fearing. I have three of them I respect, Basketmouth, Seyi Law and CD John.  They are great and CD John was so creative and dedicated.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

I am sure we will all miss his kind of uniqueness because he was such a nice guy.

 

MC PATO

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He brought his own unique style of comedy.  This year was supposed to be his year of impact because he was such an amazing entertainer.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

His uniqueness because we don’t have a fantastic singer as a comedian.

 

PRINCESS

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He made a great impact in his short time.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

His uniqueness of comedy.

 

SENATOR

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

He was such a nice guy and he found favour in the sight of people.  He was a great man and humble.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

He was a unique fellow, lively and creative and he was an interesting character.

 

EMEKA SMITH

How will you describe CD John’s impact in the entertainment industry?

CD John was everywhere and obviously, he would have cleared all the awards this year because he had carved a niche for himself.  He made fame, he made money and was in the heart of everybody.

What will the practitioners miss about him?

Many things like his creativity, his humility and the fact that he was one of the best.  We are going to miss him as a brother and a colleague.

  • This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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