Connect with us

Entertainment

The Marriage And Death Of Saint Obi By Zik Zulu Okafor

Published

on

 

A colleague and friend to the late Nigerian actor Obinna Nwafor better known as Saint Obi, Zik Zulu Okafor, has shared a chilling insight into the marriage and untimely death of the Nigerian actor.

 

Okafor delved into Obi’s personal struggles and the unexpected turn his life took after his marriage.

 

According to Okafor, Saint Obi was a shy individual, bordering on timidity and insecurity. He valued the peaceful and intimate interactions he shared with a select few friends. He would retreat from any situation that could disrupt the tranquility of such gatherings.

 

Okafor emphasized the irony of Obi’s superstar status and the impact it had on his life. It was this fame that led him to marry a financially strong and powerful woman. The wedding, a symbol of love and commitment, would dramatically alter the trajectory of his life, tragically pulling him away from the creative community that had embraced and propelled him into stardom.

 

Okafor in his words: “THE MARRIAGE AND DEATH OF SAINT OBI.

 

His social life was blunted. Perhaps by his reticent disposition. His persona, two dimensional. To a distant public, he was upscale and cool. His manly bearing spoke loud. His onscreen image ironically amplified some idiosyncrasies; heroics, romantic adventures and traits that did not gel with the mortal privacy that eerily define his quiet and lonely life.

 

Saint Obi, real name, Obinna Nwafor, was shy, almost bordering on timidity and insecurity. He cherished the pleasantly tranquil interractions among a few friends. He would vanish at any outburst that could upset the poise of such small meetings. As he repeatedly told me, he just wanted to live a cool, quiet and fulfilled life. But, has he lived this cool and fulfilled life he envisioned ? I have my doubts.

 

I tell Saint’s story here with painful tears in my eyes; because he was a star, a super star whose life turned out a gleam of irony.

 

Yet, it was this stardom that fetched him his much professed financially strong and powerful wife. And their wedding, that solemn ritual of love would drastically alter the cause of his life and tragically yank him off the creative community that threw him up for the wife to capture and indeed conquer.

 

Their marriage was at best a of love. It was quick. He barely told us that he found a wife. Then, the marriage happened. It was something of a mystique, only those involved understood the histrionics that played out. None of us who were his closest pals, who walked with him through the crucible to the crest of his career in Nollywood, none of us was invited.

 

The distance between us and the guy I admirably called Saint of the Storm had begun. This gulf would widen with each year. We saw him perhaps once in a year after this marriage.

 

And life actually seemed to have given him a fair shake of the dice. He dressed well, drove big cars and even his skin, in literal lingo, spelt wellness.

 

The Saint would be blessed with three beautiful children. But not on one occasion were his friends in Nollywood invited for christening or birthday. We were told that his wife was of the topmost hierachy in telecom giant, MTN.

 

But even if their celebrations were designed to be a rendezvous of the elites of the technocracies that his wife chiefly belonged, you expected that Saint would reach out to a few of his fellow creatives, for even if they would herald his small beginnings, there could be no tinge of shame to it because we all have our journeys and our stories. And even at that, the actor or cineaste in Nollywood is by no means poor.

 

But more tragic is the fact that his marriage did not only take away Obinna from his friends, it took him away from Nollywood. Saint stopped acting, absconded from his career and perhaps his calling. It would seem prognostic now. Yes, because I recall leaving my house in Lagos Mainland for his massive office in Lekki, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

It was about six years ago. There, I demanded to know why my friend abandoned our industry. He told me with his usual shy expressions that he wanted to focus on some other businesses and also to work behind the camera.

 

Because his visage was unconvincing to me, I told him in stark terms, that whatever his new vision and pursuits, he must not abandon the trade that made him who he was.

 

It took another three years for Saint to return to his homies. But when he did, some of the deeply disappointed ones sniggered behind him. This was because the simmering rumours of cracks in his marriage had hit home.

 

And though secretive in his ways, he knew it was time to open up. And he did. “I do not know why my wife’s sibblings see me as a gold digger. They confront me, harass and fight me in my own matrimony. And my wife did nothing to stop them. I work hard, earn my money. I have never depended on my wife “, he lamented, eyes blurred with tears.

 

You could tell he was in deep pain. By the next visit, the Saint returned with a deep cut from knife on his left eye. His wife’s brothers, he said, scaled the wall fence of their house to attack him.

 

They were captured by hidden closed-circuit television, CCTV, installed for surveillance and security, he revealed. He reported them at the police station and subsequently acquired a gun to defend himself.

 

This effectively marked the beginning of the end of his marriage and perhaps Saint Obi’s long walk to a sad end. He moved out of his marital home to a new house to begin the reconstruction of his destiny, alone without his wife and worse still without his three beautiful children.

 

Meanwhile, his wife went to the police to defend her sibblings using her financial power to manipulate the cause of justice, Saint stated unequivocally. The wife also sued for divorce, not in Lagos, but in Ogun state. As Saint put it, “It was to make the journey difficult for me.

 

But I will not bend neither will I break. I will fight with my last blood to take custody of my children. They love me and they know it will be hard for me to live without them. The divorce is not an issue. My marriage has long been over “, he said with a mix of courage and a quaky heart that betrayed his distress.

 

About mid last year, however, Obinna took ill. But he told no one. He simply became scarce. He was in and out of hospital, we would later learn. He sold two of his three big SUVS to take proper care of his health and to acquire six camry cars he’d use for Uber. But his vanishing health continued unabated. He seemed to have a premonition of his own passing as he wept repeatedly about not seeing his children.

 

He emaciated. Life took a grim picture. When I saw him by chance in January 2023, the dude called Saint looked 15 years older than his age. His macho cut had shrunk. His fat wallet was gone. What was left was only his fat will. His eyes seemed lost in their socket. This would be the last time I would see him.

 

Saint snuck out of Lagos to hang in with his sister in Jos. He told no one.

 

But a month ago, in April precisely, the once delightful actor who brought joy to many a home broke his icy silence. He called our mutual friend in US to give him a devastating message. He was on a deathbed, he said and wanted our friend to pray for him. “It’s not looking good, pray, pray for me”, he appealed passionately.

 

His next call came on May 1, 2023. This time to his mentor, the man who made him a star with his productions, Zeb Ejiro, OON. He told him with a wavering voice that he had had three surgeries but was still in hospital in Jos. He averred again that his situation was not looking good, that he is also in a deep pain, distressed that he could not see his children. But still he begged him not to tell anyone about his ailment.

 

Such was the life of this creative hermit, a lonely trouper.

 

I was the first to hear the news of his death late on Sunday, May 7. Having confirmed it, I called Zeb Ejiro. “I have a very bad news my brother, Zeb “, I began. “What is it, what is it, “, he asked anxiously. “A big star has fallen in Nollywood “. Zeb broke down in tears. I hadn’t said who it was. But sobbing helplessly now, he said, ” Don’t tell me it is Saint Obi “. Sadly, he was right. May his soul find peace.”

Entertainment

Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024

Published

on

Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.

Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.

Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.

The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.

READ MORE: Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede

The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.

Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.

Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.

A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.

Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.

CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.

Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party

Published

on

Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.

The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.

The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.

Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.

READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’

The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.

Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.

As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.

Watch Video here

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives

Published

on

The Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the reconstruction of Ijio-Idiko-Ile Road which is one of the roads in the Oke Ogun geo-political zone in the state. Makinde also disclosed that he had given the go-ahead for the renovation of Iseyin Township Hall. Makinde, made these known during a town hall meeting held at Iseyin Town Hall in Iseyin Local Government Area, on Thursday. In his speech, Makinde informed the audience that construction is still going on at the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso campus's College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus. He declared that Oba Abdul Ganiy Adekunle Salau, the most recent Aseyin of Iseyin, would be honored by having the campus lecture hall bear his name.

Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.

The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.

Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.

READ MORE: Osun’s Mining Reforms Focused On Fairness, Equity – Governor

The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.

The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.