By NewsBits
Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, has died at the age of 57, multiple sources have confirmed. News of his death comes after days of speculations. The actor reportedly died last Sunday at the home of one of his siblings after a protracted illness. The nature of the illness is not made known yet by the family.
It was gathered that disagreement among his siblings caused the delay in the news being made public officially. The Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is said to be on a fact-finding mission on his death.
Saint Obi was very popular in the 90s and early 2000s. The actor reportedly visited hospitals for treatment for several months before he passed on. Saint Obi came onto the acting scene in 1996 after doing a commercial for Peugeot on NTA and went on to feature in more than 100 movies including ‘Sakobi’, ‘Festival of Fire’, ‘State of Emergency’ and others.
He was born Obinna Nwafor in 1965 in the Port Harcourt city of Rivers State. His parents later moved to Jos where he had his early education. Saint Obi graduated from the University of Jos after studying theatre arts. The movie star was known by several nicknames like James Bond of Nollywood and Saint of the Moviedom.
Saint Obi
In another sad development, the death has also been announced of Murphy Afolabi less than 24 hours after Saint Obi. Yoruba actor, Murphy Afolabi, has died nine days after celebrating his 49th birthday.
According to blogger, Seun Oloketuyi, the actor died on Sunday from injuries sustained after slipping in his bathroom at his home in Ikorodu, Lagos. Several of Murphy’s colleagues in the movie industry have also confirmed his death.
Actor, Odunlade Adekola, wrote in an Instagram post, “Jesus Christ, we lost Murphy.” Filmmaker, Tunde Ola-Yusuf, also mourned him on social media. He wrote: “REST IN PEACE. May God give the family and close associates the fortitude to bear the loss. Good night, Murphy Afolabi.” Born in Osun State, the movie star featured in over 100 movies in his lifetime.
Murphy
Murphy celebrated himself with stunning pictures on Instagram when he turned 49 on May 5. “Dear God, on this day, which is my birthday, I ask for your blessings and grace. May I have your strength and courage to continue to serve you faithfully.
“Almighty God, I come to you on this day and ask for your favour. May you grant me wisdom and knowledge to do your will and to live a righteous life,” he said. Murphy, a graduate of Ire Polytechnic, Osun State, got into the movie industry in 2001.
