Nigerian actor, content creator and influencer Odira Nwobu has died in South Africa aged 43, his lawyer and the Actors' Guild of Nigeria have confirmed.
News of his death has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, as fans and colleagues grieve the loss of the Nollywood star, who was noted for his comedic roles and youthful appearance and had appeared in more than 60 films.
The specifics surrounding his passing remain unclear, but a coroner's report is expected as inquiries continue. His family has yet to make a public statement.
Circulating videos depicting the aftermath of his death have caused distress among fans. It was revealed by his lawyer, Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi, that an ambulance was called to Nwobu's hotel in Benoni, near Johannesburg, after he was discovered gasping for breath following a night out with friends.
Despite efforts by paramedics using a defibrillator, Nwobu was unable to be revived at the scene. He had been in South Africa participating in a promotional trip for a Nigerian-owned real estate company.
Born in 1982 in Enugu, Nigeria, Nwobu began his acting career immediately after secondary school in the film 'Joseph the Dreamer'. He had a successful career but sought more creative freedom through content creation, gaining a significant following across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
At the time of his death, he was traveling with fellow influencers but is survived by no immediate family.
His passing is a notable loss to the Nigerian entertainment industry, and calls for further investigation into the circumstances continue as tributes pour in.
