In a sad turn of events, the Nigerian entertainment industry has lost one of its revered figures, veteran Nollywood actor Saint Obi. After days of speculation regarding his whereabouts, multiple sources have now confirmed the heartbreaking news of his demise.
According to reports, Saint Obi passed away last Sunday at the residence of one of his siblings. The delay in the official announcement of his passing was allegedly due to a disagreement among his siblings, causing the news to be kept private.
Despite the lack of an official statement, trusted sources within Nollywood have revealed that both the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) are actively investigating the matter and gathering more information to share with the public.
Born as Obinna Nwafor on November 16, Saint Obi was a highly acclaimed actor, film producer, and director in the Nigerian film industry. He gained fame for his remarkable performances in notable movies such as “Candle Light,” “Sakobi,” “Goodbye Tomorrow,” “Heart of Gold,” “Festival of Fire,” “Executive Crime,” and “Last Party.”
Saint Obi pursued his passion for acting by majoring in Theatre Arts at the University of Jos. His breakthrough in the industry came in 1996 when he appeared in a commercial for Peugeot on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). In 2001, he made his mark as a producer with his debut movie titled “Take Me to Maama,” where he not only produced but also portrayed the character of Jerry alongside renowned actors like Ebi Sam, Rachel Oniga, Nse Abel, and Enebeli Elebuwa.
According to reports from TRIBUNE ONLINE, the actor had been battling an undisclosed illness for an extended period. He had sought treatment in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, where he frequently went in and out of the hospital for over two years. Sadly, Saint Obi’s health deteriorated, leading to his untimely passing.
While the reasons behind the family’s decision to withhold the news of his demise remain unknown, it is understandable that his colleagues and close associates have chosen not to disclose details at this time, respecting the family’s wishes.
Following his passing, Saint Obi’s body was transferred to the morgue at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where it currently rests.
Saint Obi’s presence in the Nigerian film industry left an indelible mark, capturing the hearts of numerous home video enthusiasts throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s. He appeared in over 100 movies during his illustrious career.
The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of this talented actor, who will be remembered for his significant contributions to Nollywood. May his soul rest in eternal peace.