The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas and the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa on Sunday commiserated with the movie industry, family and friends of late Nollywood comedian and actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji (aka Sisi Quadri) and John Okafor, Popularly known as Mr Ibu.
Abbas in his condolence message to the families of the deceased and their colleagues in Nollywood, expressed sadness over the deaths of two comic actors, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, and John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
Speaker Abbas observed that both actors used their God-given talents to put smiles on many faces.
The Speaker noted that both 44-year-old Sisi Quadri and 62-year-old Mr. Ibu, who died on Friday and Saturday, respectively, were skillful in their crafts and were a delight to their audiences.
He said their demise has created a vacuum in the Nigerian movie industry, noting that they contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nollywood while they were alive.
Speaker Abbas, who commiserated with the families of the actors and their colleagues in the movie industry, prayed to God to grant their souls eternal rest.
In a related development, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Musawa expressed shock following the sudden demise of the Yoruba actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji who was passed on Friday after a brief illness.
“I learnt a movie, titled Anikulapo: The Return of Spectre,’ in which Sisi Quadri played a spectacular role was released on Netflix on Friday and is already making waves. His death at this time when he should be reaping the fruits of his labour is untimely and saddening.
“I sympathise with his immediate family members on this unfortunate incident and pray for the repose of his soul,” Musawa said.
Sisi Quadri was a very popular actor in mostly Yoruba epic films who mimicked personalities in a very comical manner.
He hailed from Iwo town in Osun state and was aged 44.
In the same vein, the Minister expressed deep sadness at the announcement of the death of renowned Nollywood actor, John Ikechukwu Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
The 62-year-old comedian died in a hospital on Saturday after a protracted illness.
The Minister, who described the occurrence as “one death, too many” said this was coming just 24 hours after the death of yet another Nollywood comedian, Sisi Quadri.
“I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career.
“His death at this time is very unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry. We will sorely miss him. May his soul rest In peace,” Musawa stated.
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