Legendary Nigerian actor Justus Esiri has died in a Lagos hospital due to complications resulting from diabetes. Following the announcement of the actor’s death, the Nigerian entertainment industry has been deep in mourning, now having lost their fourth actor in the last year.
‘Declared as one of the strong men of the African film industry, Justus Esiri is widely known for his role in the now rested popular TV series, The Village Headmaster. We commiserate with the family and pray that God gives us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’ the president of Actors Guild of Nigeria Ibinabo Fiberesima said in a statement to Vanguard.
President Goodluck Jonathan has also expressed his deep sadness over the news, noting how Nollywood has helped forge a positive image of Nigeria as a whole. The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, echoed these sentiments.
‘Esiri was an epitome of virtue who used his talent to teach values, patriotism and hard work especially to the younger generation of Nigerians,’ Metuh told All Africa. ‘He contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s movie industry and his memory will remain fresh in the hearts of Nigerians. The nation will indeed miss his wealth of experience and dedication to duty.’
Born in 1942, Esiri developed an interest in theatre while he was studying engineering in Germany. After performing in Germany, a delegation from Nigeria invited the actor to perform in his home country which he accepted.
It was there that he made the swap from stage to screen, performing in various soap operas and Nollywood films throughout his career. He was best known for his lead role in The Village Headmaster, a popular soap opera that ran during the 1970s.
Those who have worked closely with the actor have also spoken out about this great loss, describing him as a father figure and a jovial man.
‘Uncle Justus, was an icon. I had the opportunity to work closely with him last year. It was an experience for which I will forever be grateful, as I was able to tap into his wealth of wisdom and learned as much as I could about what we now know as Nollywood,’ singer Emem Ema told The Guardian Nigeria. ‘I wish I could have spent more time with him, however, I am consoled in the fact that I came in contact and learnt from a true thespian and icon of our time. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’
Esiri is the fifth Nigerian actor to die in the last year, preceded by the death of Pete Eneh, Enebeli Elebuwa and two young actors who died just a few weeks ago.