Three years after the tragic passing of Big Brother Naija star and singer, Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey, his management team and fans have marked the third anniversary of his death with moving tributes celebrating his life and legacy.
In a statement released on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), Rico’s management described him as “a beacon of love and creativity”, adding that his memory “blooms like a garden of everlasting flowers.”
“On this 3rd anniversary, we remember not just your departure, but the life you lived and the love you gave. Keep resting, Rico,” the post read in part.
Rico Swavey, who rose to fame as a contestant on the 2018 Double Wahala edition of Big Brother Naija, died on October 13, 2022, from injuries sustained in a car accident along a poorly lit section of the Lekki–Ajah Expressway in Lagos. His death sparked widespread grief across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
In a previous interview with journalist Chude Jideonwo, Rico’s mother gave an emotional account of her son’s final moments, recalling how she held him in her arms as he struggled for life at a Lekki hospital, pleading for him to “come back.”
Amid public speculation surrounding the circumstances of the crash, eyewitness Sunday Michael, the Uber driver who accompanied Rico, clarified that the late reality star was not under the influence of alcohol prior to the accident.
The Doren Specialist Hospital, where Rico was initially treated, also denied allegations of medical negligence and refuted claims that its staff filmed him on his hospital bed, a controversy that had drawn public criticism at the time.
Earlier in 2025, during the 10th season of Big Brother Naija, organisers of the show honoured three deceased alumni — Francisca Owumi, Joseph Ada, and Rico Swavey — with a tribute segment and a minute of silence in recognition of their contributions to the franchise.
Remembered for his gentle personality, artistic flair, and enduring kindness, Rico Swavey remains one of the most beloved figures in the BBNaija community, with his legacy continuing to inspire affection and respect across the Nigerian entertainment landscape.#newsafro_
