Nigerian actor and content creator Odira Nwobu has died at the age of 43 in South Africa. His death was confirmed by his lawyer, Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi, and the Actors' Guild of Nigeria.
The cause of Mr. Nwobu's death has not yet been publicly disclosed. A coroner's report is anticipated to provide further details.
Circumstances of Death
Mr. Nwobu was found alone in his hotel room in Benoni, near Johannesburg, reportedly experiencing respiratory distress. Paramedics were called to the scene and attempted resuscitation using a defibrillator; however, he was pronounced dead before he could be transported to a hospital.
At the time of his death, Mr. Nwobu was visiting South Africa with a group of social media influencers. The purpose of their trip was to promote a real estate company of Nigerian origin.
Career and Background
Born in Enugu, Nigeria, in 1982, Odira Nwobu commenced his professional acting career following secondary school, with his first notable role in the film "Joseph the Dreamer." He participated in over 60 films during his lifetime, frequently recognized for his comedic performances and youthful appearance.
Beyond acting, Mr. Nwobu developed a substantial online presence as a content creator and influencer. He accumulated hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In a 2021 interview with BBC News Igbo, he discussed challenges with typecasting and his pivot to content creation as a means to explore more creative avenues.
Additional Information
In July, Mr. Nwobu survived a road accident, an event that led to premature and incorrect reports of his demise. Public records indicate he was not married and had no surviving children.