CITIZENS COMPASS – THE family of Mr Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi has told multiple award-winning filmmaker, Zik Zulu Okafor, to leave Obi’s widow alone and allow her to mourn the late actor.
The Nwafors in a statement, were reacting to Okafor’s statement about Obi’s death. They desctibed Okafor’s article on the death as unfortunate.
The statement was signed by Ugoeze Edith Chinyere Obichukwu, Mrs. Freda Nwachukwu, Eldest Sister (Texas, U.S.A), Elder Sister (Jos, Nigeria), for the Nwafor Family of Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi, Ogwa, Mbatoli L.G.A, Imo State
It reads, ” Our attention has been drawn to the publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner. This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with.
” The Nwafor family also views the said article by Mr. Okafor as sad and most unfortunate. It was neither written in consultation with any member of the family nor authored with our consent or authority. We totally disassociate ourselves from it.
” The views and allegations contained therein are entirely the opinion of the writer. They are false, malicious and insensitive to the wife, children and entire family he left behind.
” This is a mourning period for the family, and while we appreciate the condolences of friends, fans, and well-wishers, we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.
” The funeral rites will be communicated to the public in due course.
May the soul of our dearly beloved brother, son, father and husband, rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Okafor has alleged that Obi’s marriage to his former wife had distanced him from the film industry and thereafter responsible for his death.
According to him, Saint Obi lost contact with his Nollywood buddies and distanced himself from the film industry after he parted ways with his estranged wife Lynda.
He said; ‘‘Saint Obi’s social life was blunted. Perhaps by his reticent disposition.His persona, two dimensional.
‘‘To a distant public, he was upscale and cool . His manly bearing spoke loud.
‘‘His onscreen image ironically amplified some idiosyncrasies; heroics, romantic adventures and traits that did not go with the mortal privacy that verily define his quiet and lonely life.
‘‘Saint Obi, real name, Obinna Nwafor, was shy, almost bordering on timidity and insecurity.”
