Somto BisinaIn a heart-breaking turn of events, Nollywood mourned the loss of a beloved star, Saint Obi. Renowned veteran journalist and filmmaker, Zik Zulu Okafor, expressed his deep sorrow and paid tribute to the late actor in a poignant account of their friendship and the tragic events that unfolded.
Okafor recounted the enigmatic nature of Saint Obi, whose public persona contrasted sharply with his quiet and solitary personal life.
While Saint Obi was perceived as upscale and cool by the distant public, his closest friends knew him to be shy and almost timid, cherishing intimate interactions with only a handful of companions.
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Okafor highlighted Saint Obi’s desire for a cool, quiet, and fulfilling life but raised doubts as to whether he had achieved this vision.
The story took a turn when Saint Obi’s marriage to a financially strong woman dramatically altered the course of his life. Okafor described the wedding as a mysterious affair, known only to those involved, with none of Saint Obi’s closest friends from the Nollywood industry invited.
This event marked the beginning of a growing distance between Saint Obi and his friends, as the once-thriving actor gradually withdrew from his career and the creative community that had brought him to prominence.
Despite the apparent success and trappings of wealth, such as fashionable attire and luxury cars, Saint Obi’s marriage took a toll on his relationships and artistic pursuits.
Okafor lamented the fact that Saint Obi’s friends were excluded from significant family events, such as the christening of his children.
The journalist questioned why the actor, who had humble beginnings in Nollywood, did not reach out to his fellow creatives and embrace his roots.
Tragedy struck when rumours of cracks in Saint Obi’s marriage became reality, leading to a violent confrontation with his wife’s siblings. Okafor revealed that Saint Obi was physically attacked, resulting in a deep cut on his left eye.
The incident prompted Saint Obi to report his assailants to the police and take measures to defend himself, ultimately leading to the unravelling of his marriage.
The divorce proceedings, orchestrated by his wife in a different state to make the journey difficult for Saint Obi, left him devastated. Okafor highlighted Saint Obi’s unwavering determination to fight for custody of his children, emphasizing his love for them and the pain of being separated. Despite the challenges, Saint Obi remained resilient, vowing not to bend or break under the strain.
The narrative took a somber turn as Saint Obi’s health deteriorated. Okafor revealed that the actor sold his assets to cover medical expenses but remained plagued by his failing health. Their final encounter in January 2023 left Okafor shocked by Saint Obi’s deteriorated appearance, as the once-vibrant actor now looked significantly older than his age.
The news of Saint Obi’s death reached Okafor on May 7, 2023, prompting him to inform their mutual friend, Zeb Ejiro, who had mentored Saint Obi and played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom.
Overwhelmed with grief, Ejiro correctly guessed the identity of the fallen star, Saint Obi, leading to an outpouring of tears.
In his concluding remarks, Zik Zulu Okafor extended his condolences to the departed actor and expressed hope for his soul to find peace. The heartfelt tribute stood as a testament to the profound impact of Saint Obi.
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