Percy Onyeka
Following the deaths of legendary performers John Okafor, well known as Mr. Ibu, and Quadri Oyebamiji, better known as Sisi Quadri, this week, President Bola Tinubu has sent out a condolence letter.
Oyebamiji, a Yoruba actor in Nollywood, passed away on Friday. He would have turned 44 on December 25, 2023. A few of his colleagues in the Yoruba film industry reported his passing.
Another Nollywood star, Okafor, also referred to as Mr. Ibu, passed away on Saturday.
This happened after PUNCH revealed in October 2023 that the seasoned actor needed financial support due to a purported illness.
In a statement released on Sunday, Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that the president condoles with the families of these “gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses.”
The statement further noted, “The President exhorts 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.
“The President also commiserates with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and the entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.
“President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for all those in mourning.”
Among others who have expressed their condolences on the death of the actors is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
In a condolence message posted on his X, formerly Twitter, handle on Sunday, Obi stated that Mr Ibu’s death was a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation.
Techrectory with Agency Report
