Media personality Toolz Oniru has spoken out in support of Jennifer, the widow of late Nollywood actor Junior Pope, after she was criticised online for allegedly “moving on” less than two years after her husband’s death.
The controversy began when Jennifer posted a short clip of herself and actress Mercy Johnson posing for the camera. The video drew condemnation from a social media user identified as Obiasogu, who accused her of appearing unbothered by the responsibility of raising her three children alone.
He questioned why her appearance did not reflect the weight of her loss, sparking debate across platforms.
Toolz pushed back against the criticism, stating that grief has no fixed timeline and that people have no right to dictate how a widow should look or behave.
She described the public expectations placed on Jennifer as unfair, noting that 20 months have passed since Junior Pope died.
Toolz also highlighted the double standard often applied to widows, arguing that men in similar situations rarely face the same scrutiny and often remarry within a short period.
Jennifer has continued to publicly honour her late husband. On April 10, 2025, she observed the one-year anniversary of his passing, reflecting on her journey through grief. She has also marked key dates including his 45th posthumous birthday in May and their 11th wedding anniversary in July.
Junior Pope tragically died on April 8, 2024, along with several others, after their boat capsized in the Anam River, Anambra State, while returning from a movie set.
Despite the criticism, Jennifer continues to receive support from Nollywood colleagues and fans who commend her for balancing grief, motherhood, and rebuilding her life.
About the Author
