Nigerian actor, content creator, and influencer Odira Nwobu has died in South Africa at age 43, his lawyer and the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria have confirmed to the BBC.
News of his passing has sparked widespread shock in Nigeria, with fans and colleagues mourning the Nollywood star known for his comedic roles, youthful appearance, and performances in more than 60 films. His family has not yet issued a public statement.
The cause of death remains unknown. According to his lawyer, Chukwujiekwu Chukwudi, a coroner’s report is expected soon. Videos circulating online on Monday appeared to show Nwobu’s lifeless body, causing distress among supporters.
Mr. Chukwudi told BBC Igbo that an ambulance was called to the actor’s hotel in Benoni, near Johannesburg, after he was found alone in his room “gasping for breath.” Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him with a defibrillator, but he died before he could be taken to the hospital.
Born in Enugu State in 1982, Nwobu launched his acting career straight out of secondary school with a role in Joseph the Dreamer. Despite his success, he shared in a 2021 interview with BBC Igbo that he often felt typecast, which inspired him to expand into content creation. Across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, he built a large following.
At the time of his death, Nwobu was in South Africa with a group of influencers promoting a Nigerian-owned real estate company. His lawyer accompanied the team as legal adviser to the organising firm.
“We were shocked to receive calls from Nigeria confirming his passing while we were still discussing how to break the news to his family,” Mr. Chukwudi said.
Nwobu survived a road accident in July, an incident that had previously sparked false rumours of his death.
The actor was unmarried and had no children, according to reports.
