One Death Too Many

Sam Loco Efe

The recent death of veteran actor, Sam Loco Efe throws the entertainment industry into anxiety as death predictions for the industry is becoming too real to be ignored
By Osamudiamen Ogbonmwan
Movie locations, especially in residential areas often draw attention. Two years ago, the movie location for one of the many movies shot in Nigeria was a residential area in Ogba and on the list of actors present were Ngozi Ezeonu, Chinwetalu Agu, Hank Anuku and a few others.
Many fans besieged the location to catch a glimpse of their Nollywood heroes but one actor that drew the most attention was the late Sam Loco Efe. Almost all of Efe’s steps on that day was ‘monitored’ by fans who wouldn’t leave his side. It got so bad that the producer and director had to plead with his fans to allow them shoot his scenes. At the end of the day- in the evening, Efe had to acknowledge his fans by parting with some money. Later, one of the crew members disclosed that Efe was often appreciative of his fans in diverse ways.
So, penultimate weekend when the news of the death of the veteran actor spread like wild fire across the globe, it came as no surprise when tears flowed freely. When the news first hit the social network, mixed reactions trailed it. Comments from people either confirming or debunking the news streamed endlessly. For Genevieve Nnaji, a top actress in the Nigerian Movie industry, the tale was a lie from the pit of hell as she went ahead to describe Journalists in the country as agents of the devil. Hear her:
“… I just spoke to some of Uncle Sam’s relatives who told me that the news is a lie but a local news channel just announced his death. Journalism is crap in Nigeria…”, she declared.
Understandably, many hope that the news was not true. Uncle Sam as Efe was fondly called was an icon who was highly respected in the industry. Reports had it that the polyglot extraordinaire was found dead in his Room 204, Rapour Hotel, located on Amakohia road, Owerri, Imo state. Colleagues disclosed that on Saturday, August 6, the 73-years-old had told his crew to go to bed after a long day’s work but on the following day, Sunday, when his colleagues did not see him in the morning, they decided to go to his room. According to Steve Eboh, a former Vice President of AGN, (South- East) and a close friend to the late actor, ‘ … when no response came from his room, I was called. I then advised that the hotel contact the police. When the room was eventually opened, the cold body of Sam was found on the floor, the police were alleged to have found a canister of ventolin inhaler”, he said.
Segun Arinze, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) revealed that the late actor had recently travelled to the United state to edit a movie Unknown Prophet which he had directed in Port Harcourt.
The late actor would be remembered for his unique natural comical roles which he interpreted perfectly both on stage and in movie productions.
Although, Efe was alledged to have been an asthmatic patient, he had been a smoker and a lover of different alcoholic beverages in the past. While alive, he often boasted about how he started drinking and smoking on the October 1, 1960, the day and year Nigeria gained her independence. However, The Source learnt that the late actor first had a close brush with death in 2008 when he collapsed as he made to climb a vehicle which was to take him to Obosi, in Anambra state for the burial ceremony of another actor, Ameachi Mornagor mother’s burial. At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital where he was later revived, doctors advised him against smoking and drinking.
Efe’s death sadly, is coming on the heels of the demise of two extraordinary talents in the music industry, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, who passed on last month and Alaba Pedro whose death came two weeks ago. Also in the movie industry a few months back, two actors, Ashley Nwosu and Yoruba actor, Alasari had given up the ghost to illness and a road accident respectively. As condolences from within and outside the country, pour in, many industry watchers are pondering over what the problem is with the industry. While many have argued that the Nigerian movie industry has become so demanding as actors now mostly shoot under duress, some say actors have a lackadaisical approach to their health, as others claim that the prediction of some religious leaders early in the year might just be coming to pass.
“In this industry, many actors pass through a lot of stress. A producer may want to shoot a movie for just five days and the pressure would be on the actor or actress to deliver. This is one of the problems. An actor may also be working on two locations at a time. These are all what we see in this industry. An actor may sign a deal with two producers and before you know it his time would be demanded from them at the same time. He’ll end up running from one location to the other”, Emeka Nwankwo , an industry analyst told The Source.
Strangely, The Source discovered that early this year, a few pastors had predicted that the entertainment industry would be recording some deaths. According to Olagoroye Faleyimu, a Prophet, founder and General Overseer of the Mountain of Blessing of Christ, Ijoko, Ogun State, who stunned many last year when most of his prediction came through, the industry will be witnessing more deaths this year.
“The major cause of their deaths will be as a result of an event billed for Nigeria this year. Nigerian witches will host their counterparts from all over the world this year. They will sacrifice many souls for their visitors. These souls will come mainly from the entertainment industry. Also, some pastors will die in the hands of these witches, if they do not pray well. From the music and movie industries alone, ten people each have been selected, making a total of 20 from the entertainment industry. Others will come from road accidents nationwide”, Faleyimu said.
Again, another prophet, David Bankole of the Wait For Christ Church For All Nations announced as the year began that a number of woes shall be recorded in the industry. He even mentioned names. Hear him: “I saw a beautiful actress in the industry. Fathia Balogun will fall sick and lose weight and she will look so slim that people will think that she is dieting but it is beyond what you are seeing. I am seeing something else and would not want to mention anything here except that she needs deliverance. Two other famous actresses and four famous actors may not see 2012. They should pray to avert sickness that can lead them to a journey of no return”, warned Bankole.
Efe who hailed from the Urhobo speaking area of Delta state was one of the most dedicated artiste the country has ever produced. He has featured in several movies, stage productions and television programmes. In 1977 he became an instant household name when he was voted the best actor for his role in Lagbodo, Nigeria’s only drama entry in the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC).
Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan extended his condolence to the family of the actor, saying his professional accomplishments helped to raise the profile of the Nigerian actor on contemporary stage. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Governor of Lagos state described the late actor as an extraordinarily gifted thespian whose mastery of his craft both a stage and screen was unrivalled.