Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, has bid a somber farewell to one of its beloved icons, Obinna Nwafor, widely recognized by his screen name “Saint Obi,” as he was laid to rest yesterday in a poignant ceremony held in his hometown, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.
Family, friends, colleagues, and fans gathered to pay their last respects to the prolific actor whose contributions to the Nigerian entertainment scene have left an indelible mark.
Obi’s passing on was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the entertainment spectrum.
The burial ceremony, held at his ancestral home, was marked by heartfelt eulogies and expressions of gratitude for the actor’s legacy.
Close friends and industry peers took the stage to share cherished memories and anecdotes, highlighting Saint Obi’s versatile acting talent, charisma, and his impact on the Nigerian film industry.
Obi is known for his roles in Candle Light, State of Emergency, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime and Last Party.
Life and career
Obi was born on 16 November 1965. He majored in Theatre Arts at the University of Jos, and ventured into acting in 1996 via a Peugeot television commercial. He would later star in over 60 movies.
In 2001, Obi produced his first movie titled Take Me to Maama, where he starred as Jerry, alongside Ebi Sam, Rachel Oniga, Nse Abel and Enebeli Elebuwa.
Obi died on 7 May 2023, at the age of 57.
