The
Nigerian movie industry is still trying to recover from the passing on
of two of its finest thespians, Peter Onwuzurike, aka, Dede One Day and
Sikiru Adesina, aka Arakangudu ,when the cold hands of death plucked
another veteran actor, Mike Odiachi from Nigeria’s make-belief family.
The
shocking news of Odiachi’s sudden death filtered in the late hours of
Monday, February 15, but many Nollywood practitioners and fans wrote it
off as, ‘one of the usual wicked rumours flying around.’
However,
DAILY SUN has confirmed Tuesday that Odiachi’s death was not a ruse
after all; the thespian was reported to have died at a Lagos hospital
on Monday night after a brief illness, thereby throwing Nollywood into
fresh state mourning, anxiety and panic.
The
Delta State-born actor would be remembered for his sterling roles in
several blockbusters including Prophet of Doom, I Will Die For You, God
of Abraham and Igodo among others.
An
obviously shocked Fidelis Duker, in a post on his facebook page, had
posted the following message: “Today we again mourn one of our own, a
great and talented Thespian. The one I call my friend. He acted in
several of my films and TV productions between 1993 and 1998. Great guy.
I remember Mike Odiachi and his main pal of that era, Austin Awulonu .
His regular visit to Karimu Street in Ojuelegba. We talked endlessly
over amala. Mike, you were a great guy and thespian doesn’t die. I won’t
forget your spectacular performance in Igodo where you were buried
alive. Rest in peace Michael Odiachi.”
When
contacted for comments over the incident, frontline comic actor, John
Okafor, aka, Mr Ibu, initially expressed shock and disbelief: “Mike
Odiachi? No, it is a big lie! O’ God! Please, call back, let me reach
out to some people first!” he exclaimed.
But
when he was contacted the second time, he blamed the current increasing
rate of sudden deaths in the society to weather fluctuations. He said
the current wave of unforeseen deaths was not limited to the
entertainment industry alone, and pointed out that the ones that concern
the industry always make big news because they are always in front of
the camera.