President Bola Tinubu has sent condolence messages after veteran actors John Okafor (popularly known as Mr Ibu), and Quadri Oyebamiji (well known as Sisi Quadri) passed away last week.
The Yoruba Nollywood actor, Oyebamiji, who celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023, died on Friday. His death was announced by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.
On Saturday, another Nollywood actor, Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, died.
Last October, the veteran actor was reported ill and required financial assistance.
In a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday, President Tinubu noted that the president condoles with the families of these “gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses”.
He further said: “The President exhorts the bereaved to take solace in the truth that even though these beloved Nigerians have passed on, they will always live through their works which will remain an inspiration and a fount of good cheer for many.
“The President also commiserates with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and the entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.
“President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for all those in mourning.”
Among others who have expressed their condolences on the death of the actors is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
In a condolence message posted on his X, formerly Twitter, handle on Sunday, Obi stated that Mr Ibu’s death was a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation.
