Summary:
- Zik Zulu Okafor shares an intimate and heartbreaking account of Nollywood star Saint Obi’s life struggles and tragic death.
- Saint Obi, an icon of the Nigerian film industry, lived a life of contrasts – a public figure who loved privacy, a successful actor who left his career and his friends after marriage.
- His unfortunate demise, preceded by personal battles and health issues, leaves a significant void in Nollywood and brings to light the often overlooked personal struggles of those in the limelight.
Between Saint Obi’s Marriage and His Death: An Inside Story
The story of Saint Obi’s life and tragic death is one filled with irony and heartbreak, as told by his close friend, Zik Zulu Okafor.
A Glimpse into Saint Obi’s Character
The Man behind the Star
Saint Obi, or Obinna Nwafor, was known for his manly demeanor and onscreen heroics. Yet, his off-screen life was one marked by quiet solitude and an almost shy reticence.
The Quest for a Fulfilling Life
Despite his fame, Obi was a man who craved simple things. He wanted to live a life of tranquility, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends, away from the limelight. But did he attain this desired life? That remains questionable.
The Unexpected Love Story
A Marriage Shrouded in Mystery
Obi’s marriage to his wife, a prominent figure in the telecom giant, MTN, came as a surprise to many. The wedding was shrouded in mystery, and his closest friends were not included in the celebrations. This event marked the beginning of a growing distance between Obi and his friends.
The Great Gulf: Separation from Friends and Industry
Post marriage, Obi’s life underwent a drastic transformation. He seemed to have distanced himself not just from his friends, but also from Nollywood, the industry that catapulted him to fame.
A Troubled Marriage and a Tragic End
The Battle within the Family
As the years passed, Obi’s marriage began to crumble, with him facing hostility from his wife’s family. He found himself in the middle of domestic strife and legal battles, which further isolated him.
The Fight for Custody and a Broken Heart
The divorce proceedings took a heavy toll on Obi, both emotionally and financially. His fight for his children’s custody was an uphill battle against his wife’s influential family. His inability to see his children added to his heartache.
A Fight with Illness and the Last Days
The Struggle for Survival
In the midst of these challenges, Obi’s health began to deteriorate. His fight against illness was as solitary as his personal life, and he chose to keep his condition a secret from the world.
A Farewell to a Friend
In his last days, Obi reached out to his friends, seeking their prayers and sharing his pain. His last call to Zeb Ejiro, his mentor and the man who made him a star, was a poignant goodbye.
Remembering Saint Obi
A Fallen Star and a Heartfelt Tribute
News of Obi’s death sent shockwaves through the industry. His friends, especially Zeb Ejiro, were devastated by the loss. Despite his trials and tribulations, Obi’s legacy as a superstar of Nollywood remains untouched.
Leaving a Legacy in Nollywood
Even in his absence, Saint Obi’s influence in Nollywood is undeniable. His life, though marked by personal strife and an untimely end, tells a story of a man who was not just a star on screen, but a human being with his own dreams and struggles.
As we remember Saint Obi, let’s not forget the man he was, the battles he fought, and the legacy he left behind. Let’s remember him as a friend, a father, and a superstar of Nollywood.
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May his soul find peace.
Mr. Okafor, veteran journalist, Nigeria Media Merit Award Winner and multiple award-winning filmmaker, wrote from Abuja.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was Saint Obi? Saint Obi, whose real name was Obinna Nwafor, was a famous actor in the Nollywood industry. He was known for his on-screen heroics and manly bearing.
- What was Saint Obi’s marriage like? Saint Obi’s marriage was shrouded in mystery and marked by domestic strife. His marriage to a high-ranking executive at telecom giant MTN led to a separation from his friends and the Nollywood industry.
- What were the circumstances of Saint Obi’s death? Saint Obi died after a prolonged illness. During his last days, he reached out to his friends, sharing his pain and asking for their prayers.
- What is Saint Obi’s legacy in Nollywood? Despite his personal struggles, Saint Obi left a lasting impact on Nollywood. His on-screen performances and charismatic presence are fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
- How did Saint Obi’s friends react to his death? News of Saint Obi’s death was met with shock and grief by his friends. His mentor, Zeb Ejiro, was particularly devastated by the news.
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Source: MandyNews.com
