Veteran Nollywood actor Davis Ofor, best known for his role as Clarus in the 1980s sitcom New Masquerade, has passed away, sending shockwaves across the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The news was confirmed by fellow actor Tony Akposheri via Instagram, where he shared his grief and recounted recent moments spent with Ofor.
“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone,” Akposheri wrote.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”
Ofor’s portrayal of Clarus made him a household name, cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s beloved television icons.
Details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been disclosed.
Tributes have poured in, with Akposheri describing Ofor as more than just a screen presence.
“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space,” he said.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.”
He concluded: “Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”
Ofor’s passing marks the end of an era for fans who grew up laughing with Clarus, a character that remains an enduring symbol of Nigerian television comedy.
