Nollywood Mourns as Actor Odira Nwobu Dies Suddenly in South Africa

The Nollywood film community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of popular Nigerian actor Odira Nwobu early Monday morning.

News of the actor’s death surfaced on Monday after fellow content creator and blogger Awuzie Frankline posted a video online showing Nwobu lying motionless. Frankline did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the incident, but his series of emotional Facebook posts suggested that Nwobu may have died just hours after a night out in South Africa over the weekend. 

Reacting to the news, Frankline wrote:

“God why! ODIRA why leave us… The call I received now was not a good one. #Odiegwu.”

In another post, he expressed deep anguish:

“You were full of life even some hours ago in South Africa, and you even had your thanksgiving service just a few months ago. Many people came to celebrate with you. How can you return from South Africa lifeless? Honestly, I am drowning in tears. Death is rude. I am heartbroken.”

Comedian Evan Okoro also reacted in disbelief, sharing Nwobu’s photo with the caption:

“How? No, I can’t believe this. Nooooo.”

The tragedy comes months after Nwobu reportedly survived a serious car accident, a moment captured in a viral video showing bystanders rescuing victims from a wrecked vehicle.

President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, confirmed the development in a statement to local media. According to Rollas, Nwobu had traveled to South Africa alongside eight other digital influencers for a work engagement when he unexpectedly died in the early hours of November 24.

Rollas noted that an autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

“It’s a devastating loss for the industry. Odira was full of life just hours before the incident. We are awaiting medical confirmation on what exactly happened,” Rollas said.

Nollywood Actor Odira Nwobu Cause of Death

Although the official cause has not yet been established, unconfirmed reports suggest the actor may have suffered from high blood pressure prior to his passing. 

Nwobu, widely celebrated for his roles in comic and family-themed Nollywood films, has been memorialized by fellow actors, fans, and industry leaders across social platforms.

The Actors Guild says it will release additional information once the autopsy report is available.

As of the time of this report, Nwobu’s family has not released an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding his death or providing further details.