Death in any industry is a loss many can’t find a way to wrap their heads around. When such deaths are not of natural causes like age, it becomes even sadder.
In the last week, Nollywood lost two of its major comic players, John Ikechukwu Okafor popular as Mr Ibu and Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, known as Sisi Quadri.
Though belonging to two different arms of Nollywood, the duo incidentally are comic actors that had over the years gathered a fan base.
So hard were their deaths felt that many, including President Bola Tinubu sent condolence messages while mourning the passing of the two ace comic actors.
The President, in a release by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, consoled the families of the gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses.
President Tinubu exhorted the bereaved to take solace in the truth that even though these beloved Nigerians have passed on, they will always live through their works which will remain an inspiration and a fount of good cheer for many.
It would be remembered that Sisi Quadri, who gained fame for his role in ‘Seranko Seniyan’ (2004), starred in various films, including “Aje Ni Eegun,” “Iya Oko Mi,” “Omo Iya Oko,” “Oluwa-Burna’’ and most recently in the ‘‘Anikulapo’’ series; died on Friday, March 1 in Osun State of chronic kidney disease.
Mr. Ibu on the other hand, who has appeared in over 200 Nollywood films, and had suffered protracted health challenges that led to the amputation of his leg, passed on the following day at Evercare Hospital, Lekki Lagos.
Since the deaths, Sisi Quadri has been laid to rest as many have commiserated with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and the entire creative community.
In all, it has been a trying week for the Nigerian film industry as many mourn the loss of their favourite film stars.
