Reactions have trailed the death report of two Nigeria’s ace comic actors, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri and the famous Mr Ibu, John Okafor which is barely 24 hours to each other.
The news of Sisi Quadri’s death at the age of 44 on Friday, March 1, came as tragic shock to the Yoruba Nollywood industry and his fans. The late actor who gained recognition for his notable role in the movie ‘Seniyan Seranko,’ released on December 4, 2004.
In an interview, Sisi Quadri’s brother narrated how death took his brother just a year after his mother died while recounting how they were called on February 19th that Sisi Quadri had collapsed on a movie set, so one of their brothers picked him up from there.
According to the report, he revealed that a day before the news, Sisi had sent money for his mother’s one-year remembrance to build a well and had constructed a borehole last year in honor of her.
His brother disclosed that Qaudri was taken to the hospital and treated for malaria, but he was discharged on 26th. His brother said, Sisi was preparing to go to another movie location when they all joined forces together to pressure him to rest and recover fully.
Sisi’s brother further disclosed that on February 28, the unfortunate happened as he started having uncontrollable hiccups, which made them rush to hospital. Unfortunately, all medical attention on him proved abortive and he was transferred to LAUTECH, where he gave up the ghost.
Not barely 24hours, the news of John Okafor, popularly known with his famous name, Mr Ibu struck Nigerians, shared by Instagram blogger, Tosin Silverdam, indicates that Mr. Ibu died early on Saturday at the age of 62.
According to report, the actor has been on life support after he underwent a second surgery for his ailment recently. The family source said that his blood pressure has been over 200 after he had the surgery and efforts were being made to stabilize it before he sadly passed away.
Mr Ibu who had battled with constant clotting of blood on his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health challenges for years. Recall in October 2023, he came out publicly to seek financial assistance to treat his ailment.
It was also reported that there were plans to fly him abroad for further medical care but that plan was aborted by his doctors who believed he wasn’t fit to fly. During the cause of his treatment, his leg was amputated in November 2023.
In his reaction, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu condoled with the families of these gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses.
According to the statement released by his aide stated the President received with deep sadness the news of the passing of these two ace comic actors prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for all those in mourning.
He exhorted 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 commiserated with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), and entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.
Peter Obi on X also commiserated with the family, and the entire Nollywood industry, over the painful death of these two actors, while praying to God to comfort them, and all of those who mourn them, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss.
Speaking of Sisi Quadri, he said the entertainment industry will miss the talent of this young actor who was known for his brilliant interpretation of roles, energetic performances, and talented acting.
“He is reported to have acted in more than 150 films, including comedic skits. His impacts and contributions to the growth of our entertainment industry will always be remembered”, the former Governor said.
In a separate message, Peter Obi statec that Mr Ibu’s death is very saddening, according to him, “Ibu was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy, spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.
“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family. We share pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind.
“May God who called him home grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace Mr Ibu”, Peter Obi prayed.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar while reacting to this unfortunate death on X said, “these two great Nigerians have lived to give us happy moments in entertainment and the beautiful game.
“They will be sorely missed. I pray that the Almighty shall grant their souls a peaceful repose and comfort to the grieving families and the country. Rest in peace, Mr. Ibu”, Atiku Abubakar added.