Saint Obi: Bukola Saraki, Other Nigerians Mourn Veteran Nollywood Actor

Tributes have been pouring in from all over Nigeria for veteran Nollywood actor, Saint Obi whose death was reported on Saturday, May 13th.

Kanyi Daily reported that the actor died at the age of 57 following a protracted illness about a week ago but the family chose not to announce his death for reasons yet to be ascertained.

Reports say the actor had battled an undisclosed ailment for some time and relocated to Jos, the Plateau State capital for further treatment of the ailment that had kept him in and out of the hospital for over two years.

Taking to his official Twitter handle on Sunday, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki paid glowing tribute to Obi and described his death as a huge loss not only for Nollywood but also for the entire Nigerian entertainment industry.

According to him, “Saint Obi, through his captivating performances and undeniable talent, did more than just entertain millions — he also served as a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of actors. Alongside other pioneers, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the Nigerian movie industry as we know it today.”

The former Kwara State governor argued that the late actor’s substantial contributions will forever be etched into the annals of Nigeria’s cinematic history.

He prayed to God to give his family, colleagues, and supporters the strength “that they need at this difficult time.”

Saint Obi, through his captivating performances and undeniable talent, did more than just entertain millions — he also served as a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of actors. Alongside other pioneers, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the Nigerian… pic.twitter.com/6JqGN0YqB5

— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) May 14, 2023

On his part, sports Journalist, Charles Anazodo, said the death of two Nigerian prominent, Murphy Afolabi and Obi tells everyone that “tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone.”

He wrote, “Murphy Afolabi and Saint Obi reported dead. Two prominent actors in this space. Just tells us how tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. All of the hate, vile, and acrimony shown towards each other is unnecessary. You are not better than the man next to you. DEAF EARS THOUGH.”

Murphy Afolabi and Saint Obi reported dead. Two prominent actors in this space. Just tells us how tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. All of the hate, bile and acrimony shown towards each other is unnecessary. You are not better than the man next to you. DEAF EARS THOUGH.

— Charles Anazodo (@chaplinez70) May 14, 2023

Other Nigerians also reacted to the death of Obi and his Afolabi.

“Saint Obi yesterday, MURPHY AFOLABI today & it can be anyone tomorrow. Live a kind life & don’t forget to enjoy it”

Saint obi yesterday,MURPHY AFOLABI today & it can be anyone tomorrow. Live a kind life & don't forget to enjoy it pic.twitter.com/WlufosVqE2

— JONERO♏♂️ (@JONERO10) May 14, 2023

“RIP Saint Obi 🕊️
The childhood memories were great, never forgetting or letting go of State of emergency 🙏”

RIP Saint Obi 🕊️
The childhood memories were great, never forgetting or letting go of State of emergency 🙏 pic.twitter.com/21R4CaHaGl

— Gidexn (@iam_Gidexn) May 13, 2023

“Every movie he acted, was a hit, back to back. RIP SAINT OBI 🕊️ 💔”

Every movie he acted, was a hit, back to back

RIP SAINT OBI 🕊️ 💔 pic.twitter.com/6WyjHkM2Yb

— Talk2veee (@talk2veee) May 13, 2023

In other news, Kanyi Daily reported that a former presidential aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has expressed gratitude to God for his first child, Oritsetsolayemi, who, at 17, just gained admission to the University of California, Berkeley, to read Film Production and Media.