Zik Zulu Okafor, a prominent movie producer and former President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria has shared a heartfelt account of how actor Saint Obi’s marriage significantly impacted his personal life and acting career. Okafor’s narration came in an article he penned following Obi’s untimely demise. The actor’s wife, a high-ranking executive at a telecommunications company, faced opposition from her siblings, who viewed Obi as a “gold digger.”
Okafor disclosed that Saint Obi faced constant harassment from his wife’s siblings, which ultimately led to the dissolution of their marriage. In addition, he revealed that the actor’s health began to deteriorate in the middle of the previous year, culminating in his tragic passing.
Describing Saint Obi’s personality, Okafor portrayed him as shy and seemingly burdened by insecurity and timidity. The actor cherished quiet interactions with a close-knit circle of friends, avoiding disruptions that could disturb the peace of these small gatherings. However, Zik Zulu doubted whether Obi had truly lived the fantastic and fulfilled life he aspired to.
The movie producer recounted the swift and mysterious nature of Saint Obi’s marriage, which took place without the knowledge or involvement of his closest friends in the entertainment industry. This event began a growing distance between Obi and his former companions, with their meetings dwindling to once a year. Despite his success, reflected in his stylish appearance, luxurious cars, and apparent well-being, Saint Obi never invited his friends to celebrate milestones such as his children’s christenings or birthdays.
Furthermore,
Okafor lamented that Obi’s marriage isolated him from his friends and prompted him to withdraw from acting and the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood. Although the actor initially expressed his intention to focus on other businesses and work behind the camera, Okafor urged him not to abandon the trade that had propelled him to stardom.
However, rumors began circulating of cracks in Obi’s marriage, and eventually, he confided in his friends. He shared his ordeal of being seen as a gold digger by his wife’s siblings, who harassed him and subjected him to physical altercations. Despite reporting these incidents to the police and installing CCTV cameras for surveillance, the situation worsened.
Saint Obi was attacked by his wife’s brothers, leaving him with a deep cut on his left eye. Faced with a deteriorating marriage and mounting challenges, he moved out of their marital home to rebuild his life independently, separated from his wife and children.
Health Issues:
According to Zik Zulu, Obinna (Saint Obi) fell seriously ill around mid-last year but kept it hidden from everyone. He sought medical attention, sold some of his assets, and even transitioned to driving for Uber with a fleet of smaller vehicles. However, his health continued declining, and he expressed deep pain over being unable to see his children. When Okafor encountered him in January 2023, Saint Obi appeared significantly aged, physically weakened, and emotionally burdened.
In an unexpected turn, Obi quietly sought solace with his sister in Jos without informing anyone. Then, in April, he reached out to a mutual friend in the United States, revealing that he was on his deathbed and earnestly requesting prayers. A subsequent phone call to Zeb Ejiro, the man responsible for making him a star through his productions, confirmed Obi’s dire condition.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, his health deteriorated further, leaving him in profound pain and distress over being unable to be with his children.
He implored Ejiro to keep his ailment confidential. Obi’s passing was confirmed to Okafor on Sunday, May 7, tragically plunging the Nigerian film industry into mourning.
Conclusion,
The news of Saint Obi’s death saddened many, including Zeb Ejiro, who broke down in tears upon learning of the loss. The talented actor lived a life marked by solitude and struggle, leaving a legacy as a creative hermit and lone warrior. May his soul find eternal peace.
