By Tuhairwe Joab
Since 2011, we have witnessed a series of mysterious deaths in Nigeria’s Nollywood where very many prominent actors have passed on on different accounts at a rocket speed; some have died of heart attacks, asthma, among other things.
Some people believe that these stake holders of the Nigerian booming movie industry are dying of evil spirits, that they sold their souls. However, others believe that the blasphemous messages that they have continuously portrayed in their movies are finally catching up with them. This time around, they are dying of fear to be ashamed.
Our research has discovered that most of the actors and actresses that have died in the recent years have ever played roles of villains who are not just mean but those that do much of juju though some have fallen of normal diseases and fear to say it out.
The latest holocaust has been the passing away of yet another notable and young actor Muna Obiekwe. It is alleged that they Muna died of a kidney failure and information reaching our desk is that the actor has been down for a while, however, he could not open up to anyone because most of the actors want to publicize any kind of assistance rendered to another and this forced him to keep them in the dark until he succumbed to the disease.
It was reported that Muna needed N50k every day to diagnose the problem he had but unfortunately couldn’t afford this amount and neither could he tell his friends about it because he would be a laughing stalk instead.
Most of his friends expressed concern that they were not aware of his problem and that his phone number was constantly off and none of them could reach him.
Yvone Jegede had this to say; “Sometimes i wish we don’t take some things for granted. Been calling and his phone is switched off. I wish i could have a short chat with you now. I wish i could just see you one more time. My friend, my colleague, my boss, my senior, my GUYYYYYY… Tears won’t stop, my heart beating faster, Bless the day i met you, bless your soul, bless your family you left behind. #nollywoodactor #nollywoodhulk #nollywoodlover #nollywoodworker #sabiguyREST IN PEACE MUNA OBIEKWE #WeLoveMunaObiekwe”.
It’s upon this background that all Ugandan film makers and actors should unite to strengthen their oneness and be there for one another in times of need if this industry is to keep standing.
Below are some of the Nigerian actors and actresses that have passed on since 2011:
DAVID EHEZIE
David Ihezie was very popular amongst Ugandans for his roles in David and Goliath, Brain Master, Player No 1 and King of the Forest. One of the founding fathers of Nollywood, he died after battling with Arthritis at his home in January 2012.
ENEBELI ELEBUWA
Face of Nollywood, Elebuwa died in December 2012 from a stroke he had suffered the previous year. In his quest for healing, the aging actor visited, among others, a controversial Nigerian pastor until finally being airlifted to an India hospital from where he died. Burly and beardy Elebuwa was notable for his kingly gait which mostly saw him play snobbish characters. He is remembered for such films as Abuja Connection, Bent Arrows, Royal War and Lasting Love.
PETE ENEH
Eneh’s died in November 2012 following a leg infection which was largely attributed to spiritual attacks, ironically in line with roles he excelled at in his screen characters. Doctors at a local facility opted to amputate the actor’s leg after an earlier improper treatment had left it swollen. The operation, however, soured the illness, causing his death. Like Elebuwa. Eneh is most remembered for his fatherly roles in Lonely Life, Divided Kingdom, Price of Ignorance, Heavy Rain and His Grace.
SAM LOCO EFE
Popular comedian, Sam Loco who starred in over 200 movies in his Nollywood career, with movies like Unforgettable Heart of Stone, Open and Close, Husband My Foot, Away Match and a popular TV series, Everyday People. He passed away August 2011, Police reports suggested the actor died of acute asthma, as two canisters of ventolin inhalers were discovered at the scene. The multi award winning actor’s career lasted for over three decades.
ASHLEY NWOSU
Very famous in playing the role of a villain in his movies, Nwosu’s death was as a result of a liver complication and he passed away at the military hospital in his hometown, Yaba in April 2011. His famous movies are Endless Night, Between Two Walls, Power Brokers, Foreign Affairs, Gift from the Grave and Lagos Babes.
AHMED ALASARI
Very popular within the Yoruba industry, Comedian Alasari died in a car crash in March 2011. The cause of the accident was as a result of a tyre burst causing the car to swerve off the road and overturning numerous times, killing him instantly. His last credit, Omo Nightclub, was a big hit.
JUSTUS ESIRI
He was said to have passed on Febuary 18, 2013 in a Lagos hospital. A source said the late Justus Esiri was secretly battling diabetes for a while but his family chose to make it a secret until his sudden demise at the age of 71.